How To Eat Organic On A Tight Budget
Organic food is generally more expensive than conventional fare. But you don’t have to be rich to eat well and support a healthier, more sustainable food system. With some planning and budgeting, eating organic can be affordable for everyone. Armed with these eight tips, you can make the switch to eating organic on a tight budget. A recent survey found that almost half of Americans could not afford to buy enough healthy foods to meet their needs. Eating organic is a great way to reduce your exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals while spending less money over the long term. Organic foods are grown without artificial pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or artificial fertilizers. As a result, they cost more – but it’s worth it!
Plan Your Organic Meals For The Week
Planning your meals ahead of time is the single most important step you can take to eat well on a budget. If you know what you’re making each night, you’re less likely to pick up takeout on impulse. Organic produce is generally more expensive than conventional, so you’ll want to stock up on non-organic produce when it’s on sale. You can also grow your own in a small space. Once you have your produce budgeted for the week, you can budget for meat and other animal products. Organic meat and dairy is pricier than conventional, but it has less hormones and antibiotics. Organic eggs are also a good choice if you’re looking for a sustainable source of protein.
Buy In-Season Produce
Eating in-season produce is an easy way to cut costs while eating healthy. A good rule of thumb is to buy produce that’s in season closest to the part of the world where you live. Additionally, it’s often better to buy organic out-of-season produce. This produce is transported from warmer climates, which increases the CO2 emissions associated with its production. That’s because the plants are grown indoors with artificial lights and air conditioning. Some food companies even use carbon dioxide to speed up the growth process. Eating in-season produce is an easy way to cut costs while eating healthy.
Shop At Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are an excellent way to shop organically while supporting local farmers. Farmers’ markets typically have lower prices than supermarkets, especially if you go during the off-season. Plus, you’ll get to choose your fruit and veggies fresh from the source, which means they’re more nutritious than store-bought produce. You can also find other local food products, like eggs, cheese, and honey, at farmers’ markets. Some farmers’ markets also offer special deals on items like meat and dairy. Shop at your local farmers’ market and you’ll eat healthier, save money, and support your community.
Get Familiar With Your Local Co-Op
Co-ops are a great place to score organic food at an affordable price. They’re owned and operated by members, many of whom are organic farmers. As a result, co-ops usually have lower prices than supermarkets. The catch is that you have to become a member before you can shop there. Most co-ops have a membership fee, but it’s often less than what you’d pay for organic at the supermarket. The fee is a one-time payment, and usually less than the cost of a year’s worth of organic groceries. Co-ops come in a variety of flavors, so do some research to find one that suits your needs. From organic to vegan and everything in between, there’s a co-op out there for you.
Try Whole Foods’ Own Brand
Whole Foods is an organic food mecca, but it’s also an expensive place to shop. Luckily, their in-house brand, 365, is cheaper and still 100% organic. You can find 365 products in the bulk section, on the shelves, and online. This is a great place to bulk-buy staples like beans, rice, and pasta. You can also find organic produce, meat, and dairy. 365 products are usually cheaper than their conventional equivalents. If you’re on a tight budget, 365 is a great place to save money on organic groceries. You can also save money by using a cash-back app.
Try Ethnic Markets Or Grow Your Own
Ethnic markets are great places to find cheap produce, grains, and legumes. Latino markets, Asian markets, and Middle Eastern markets are a great place to start. You can also grow your own produce. A small backyard garden can yield enough produce for an entire family. You can even grow your own herbs indoors, which makes it easier to stay away from pesticides. Organic seeds are more expensive than conventional. Growing your own produce is a great way to save money while eating healthier and supporting a more sustainable food system.
Conclusion
Organic food is more expensive than conventional, but with these tips, you can afford to eat well. Plan your meals for the week, then shop for produce when it’s in season and on sale. Save money by joining a co-op, shopping at your local farmers’ market, and trying the in-house brand at Whole Foods. Try growing your own produce, or shop at ethnic markets to save money while eating healthier.