By: Nikki Nies 
I recently wrote about the proper measures one may need to take to ensure home safety. While, that is important, it’s equally important to recognize how all healthy eatomh can fit into a household budget. Obviously, I don’t know what your family and/or financial circumstances are, but I can make generalizations that you care about your family’s well being, that you want to know where your food is coming from and if you can save a buck or two while eating frugally, why not?
If you found yourself nodding ‘yes’ to any or all of my above generalizations, then proceed to my next point. There seems to be three kind of grocery shoppers, those that stick to non-GMO, organic, pesticide, hormone and antibiotic free, those that pick and choose the foods that are “cleanly” bought while opting to buy the nonorganic counterparts when desired. And then there’s those like me, may recognize the benefits of “cleaner” produce and products, that are non-GMO, organic, antibiotic, hormone and/or pesticide free, but don’t see how those concepts fit into our budget.
I can’t help, but look at prices. However, I’ve doing a lot of reading lately and I firmly believe that these distinctive three groups could be under one umbrella, purchasing cleaner foods in a cost effective manner.
Friendly Suggestions on How to Stretch Food Dollars:
- Stick to foods that have the 100% organic, “organic” made with organic ingredients–skip the sections that have “natural”, “hormone free” and/or “free range.”
- Opt for generic organic brands
- For each week, plan meals around circular sales and/or dry goods you already have to spare at home
- Compare different organic variations, including dried, fresh, canned or frozen. When cooked correctly, all these organic variations can be equally delicious!
- Shop around to find “your” store! Perhaps, a closer grocery store has a better organic variety and/or generic options!
- Always make a grocery list!
- Join a local food cooperative to learn the latest local news on events, programs and locations to purchase organic products
- Plant or join a local community garden to grow your own organic produce
- Limit meat to less than three times a week as meat is naturally more expensive than vegetables, legumes and beans
- Clip coupons or gather from online newsletters or magazine subscriptions
- Shop at supermarkets that carry their own generic organic brands (i.e. Aldi)
- Check out local farmer’s market
- Buy in season
- Buying in bulk will not only be less expensive long term due to larger quantity, but due to less packaging costs
I promise, with my next grocery trip, I’m heading straight to the organic section! For those that have been eating only or predominantly organic, how are you able to stretch the dollars? How can we best incorporate organic foods into our lives seamlessly?
Photo Credit: Back to Her Roots
Sources: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-to-eat-organic-foods-on-a-budget
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