Frugal Friday: Saving on Organics (Guest Post)
Guest Post by Hope Ware Everyone wants to eat healthier and organic foods seem to be the "gold standard" of right eating. But, organics are costlier. So, the question often presents itself to the frugal homemaker, "How do I serve my family the BEST that I can and still remain within budget?"
Our family embarked upon a journey towards whole foods several years ago and I wanted to share some of my top suggestions:
Do your research. Read, read, and read some more. I read several books, articles, and talked to others who were more knowledgeable than I before I took too many steps.
Take baby steps. Each year our family would select a "target area". One year it was replacing all refined white flour with whole grains. One year we switched all of our grains and beans over to organic. One year it was using more natural sweeteners.
To make the giant leap to whole grains, I bought a grain mill. Go to Urban Homemaker for lots of helpful information on grain mill. A good electric grain mill will cost you about $200. However, consider that you can now grind grain and make all of your family's bread, pasties, muffins, pancakes, etc. from whole grain and you'll see that the mill will pay for itself in a couple of years.
I estimate that I can make my whole grain bread (using locally produced raw honey as a sweetener) for about $1.00 a loaf. You won't find that price in a store! Plus, I have a baking day once a week in which I bake all of the breads needed for the following 7 days. So, I don't constantly have my oven in use.
If there isn't a co-op in your area and you have several other like-minded families, chances are that you could form your own co-op. Delivery times vary with each company as well as the minimum order.
Our co-op has about 10 families that regularly order. We must have a 500 dollar minimum order and have items delivered every other month. We purchase 25 pound bags of beans, grain, rice, and oats. This is very cost effective and can be stored in large Rubbermaid containers. If that's too much for your family, split the cost and the beans with another family.
Natural sugars tend to be expensive. We have banded together with several other families for a twice-a-year honey order. We all order 1 gallon increments of raw, locally produced honey and one family volunteers to make the drive to the country to pick up our order. We spend $25 per gallon of honey and I have found this price to be fairly normal when comparing with friends from other locales.
Organic produce is another area to consider. I can't say enough good about those wonderful farmers that take the time and effort to produce organic produce! We visit our local farmers market regularly beginning in late May until late October.
Get to know the farmers--they are happy to share recipe ideas and other very helpful information. Our farmer gives a discount to our family if we purchase a large amount of one item. She also sells bushels of apples and potatoes at a discount at the end of the season. Organic produce is their passion! They often know of other farmers who raise eggs, chickens, or beef. They can "hook you up" and allow you to network to find the best prices locally. Be sure to patronize their booth though, if you are going to make use of their knowledge. We go almost strictly to "our farmer" and she knows it.
Matthew 4:4 says: "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." We cannot allow food to become our "god". It is our responsibility to do the very best that we can--within the resources with which God has entrusted us. But, we must believe that God is able to sustain us--even if we eat something that is not organic. We must place our trust for our health in God's hands.
Related: Read my post here on baby-stepping our way to better nutrition.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on eating healthfully on a budget. Also, is buying organic important to you or not?
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Labels: Frugal Friday
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:00 PM
25 Comments:
I'm not really into 'organic.' But I'll say one thing (and maybe I first read this idea right here): people who hesitate to pay
3.99/lb. for a fruit or vegetable probably don't hesitate to spend three times that much on some 'non-perishables.' When you look at unit pricing on some of that stuff, it makes even organic produce look like a bargain!
Crystal, sait for United Natural Foods is http://www.unfi.com/, in today's post it is www.ufni.com
Hey, Crystal -- the link for United Foods is at http://unfi.com
Hi Crystal, I've really enjoyed your site. I wanted to let you know that your handiwork looks great! It reminded me that I needed to start mine for the holidays. I decided back in Jan. to make all the ladies in our family pillowcases. I bought my materials on coupons (of course), but I better get crackin', I've got 10 sets to make!
We would like to eat more organic, but for right now, eating more natural and close to home is all that we can do! We do have our own chickens and milk goats, so that is very close to organic! I love the list that was linked here once, the deadly 12 I think it was called. I think that we could save a lot by eating in season and near by! There are so many things that we can find close to home if we just keep our eyes open! Happy heathy living everyone!
Alexandrea
Living on a farm, all of our meat except chicken is 100% organic and our produce is the same depending on the season. However, in the "off" season, I actually don't tend to buy organic produce unless it is a good price (better than regular produce) - strange I know. Normally we have a good supply of canned and frozen vegetables throughout the winter, but the drought last summer hit us hard so I've had to purchase vegetables this year. Why don't I buy organic in the store? Typically what you are paying for isn't organic like many think. What many producers claim - no chemicals, no fertilizers, no whatever - could actually be disastrous to their crops given the size of their fields, so I seriously question the "organic" label. Side note: if I do buy produce, I make sure it is from the USA, not anywhere else.
The best option, like Hope mentioned, is the local farmer esp if you want fresh, organic produce. Find a farmer that can explain and follows the organic growing process, make him your friend and you will benefit. We do three things with our harvests - first we reserve a portion for ourselves and family, second we sell a large portion at a local farmers market, third we give (free or cheap) the extra abundance to those who desire. The larger and more abundant the harvest, the more we have to give.
Farmers markets are great places to find deals. The best time to go is within the last hour or so of closing. You may not get the prettiest looking produce, but by that point, the farmer really doesn't want to pack up and take home his goods - there's more at home anyway. Typically we sell our tomatoes for $1 lb. but by closing someone may walk out with whatever is left - maybe 3 lbs - for $1. (Not bad for fresh, picked from the vine the day before or that morning tomatoes!) Same for potatoes, onions etc. Most local farmers aren't out to make a hefty profit off of their harvests so there is room for bargaining or even trading. If you make something with your farmer's produce, take a sample back for the farmer. For example, my mother-in-law makes all types of jellies, but we don't have many berries on the farm. A few miles down the road is a place with loads of raspberries. They sell their berries for $20 / gallon. My m-i-l pays $15 and gives them some jars of jelly in return. The family is delighted because after picking and cleaning the berries in the summer heat, the last thing they really want to do is stand over a hot stove making jelly. :)
I am definetly going to look into these organic options. Thank you!
Hi,Crystal. I've never linked to Frugal Friday before and I made a mistake. Please delete #40. I am linked at #41. Sorry and thank you.
Amanda
Love the Frugal Friday concept, and I'm excited to be joining in on the fun for the first time. Keep up the good work.
"It is our responsibility to do the very best that we can--within the resources with which God has entrusted us. But, we must believe that God is able to sustain us--even if we eat something that is not organic. We must place our trust for our health in God's hands."
This is the key, and it's a comfort to know it. I really enjoyed this post -- it was very helpful.
Hi, Crystal. This is Amanda again. I really messed up. Please delete #40 and #41. I finally figured out how to link directly to my Frugal Friday blog. Sorry for the messups. Now, I know what to do. Thanks for your understanding. I'm new to all of this.
Crystal, what an awesome ministry your blog is! I am always challenged and inspired to improve my home-making skills, and to be resourceful!
What is and isn't important to our family when buying food and why...
The word "organic" is owned by the government and may not be used on any food product that has not passed their inspection. Organic does not mean small, family farm grown either. The only thing it means is that the food was grown without the use of artificial pesticides. Over 90% of our "organic" food is imported from other countries. How much is it protected from fumes and other toxins on the way across the ocean? Most of it is also grown and sold by mega-corporations who still use the factory-farm mentality of growing crops and animals and many of whom use wicked and unbiblical ethics to bully small family farms out of business through unlawful legislation.
Don't be fooled into believing that certified organic is always better than food that is not labeled organic. Get to know your local growers and find out how *they* grow their food. They may be using much better growing methods than certified organic growers, yet can not afford the label or do not want to give in to the politics hidden behind it.
I absolutely believe that food grown without pesticides is better for us, but I will NOT pay extra for a label and be part of some political game.
I will *however* pay more for food that is grown by small family farms, for meat and dairy products that come from farms where the owners treat the animals as God has commanded us to, and where the human workers are given fair wages and not treated as slaves. These are the things I see in the scriptures as being important.
Oh, I definitely believe that you can eat healthfully on a budget (I talk about it on my blog all the time!), and I agree with everything that Hope said in her post! I also really appreciate her perspective on the end, in regards to trusting the Lord with our health- so true!
Buying organic is very important to me, although depending on the item, I will allow cost, as well as fresher and more locally grown items to take precedence over organic. Some items I don't compromise on- meat and dairy, espcially, as well as particular produce items (apples, lettuce, carrots, etc.)
I've written about this so much on my blog, and you can find many of the articles under Frugality, as well as Nutrition and In the Kitchen.
My post today is actually about finding a new way to keep serving healthy meals, within my budget, despite rising grocery costs!
Thanks for bringing up this very important topic!
There are many organic options in our area...It is something worth looking into.
~simply~
This was a terrific post - lots of good ideas.
Our family does go the "organic" way. I know it is a bad subject for some, saying that "who really knows about the organic labels and so forth".
I think what most people fail to realize is that organic products have more NUTRITION in them! I would encourage all mothers to take up a study in nutrition/biology. Yes, you do have to wade through evolution mumbojumbo, but keep going until you get to how your body works and what it does with food. We need to stop thinking that food is a filler and it's used to keep us feeling full. Food is our body's medicine! It rebuilds our bodies every day!
I have found biology is the most amazing thing to study ever. God has made our bodies so intricately and they can heal amazingly if we give them the right tools.
Farmers could tell you that if you use synthetic pesticides, etc. it depletes the soil of precious nutrients. If the soil doesn't have the nutrients, how do you expect the food to have nutrients?
Organic produce is grown sustainably. It builds the soil, feeding the microorganisms that make the nutrition for our bodies! It's vital!
This post was not to hurt anyone's feelings-I just think that people have not heard the correct information from alot of places regarding organic products.
Yes, you could pay $0.50-$1.50 more per pound (in NJ), but it's for nutrition! (and the flavor is SO much better too!)
I would recommend for anyone who doesn't have a huge food budget to start with the produce that accumulates the most pesticides: apples, bell peppers, grapes, green beans, melons, peaches, spinach, strawberries, apricots, celery, cherries, cucumbers, peas, and potatoes.
Also, compare your organic prices and check out Whole Foods Market if you have one. Some believe it's expensive, but I have found other wise. Yes, it is expensive if you buy all of the "health" junk food, but if you stick with the basics, the Whole Foods prices for their store brand (365 Organic) are cheaper than conventional prices at our local Shop Rite!
Blessings to everyone!
I would love to do more organic, but we only have one (very expensive) grocery store in my area and they only carry 2 or 3 produce items in organic. We have 1 produce stand in the summer, but not much of it is locally grown.
I prefer organic products when possible, but honestly we don't eat a lot of it due to cost. And yes, I've heard others claim the argument of pay now or pay later, but when you cannot simply afford it - that is pretty much the deal-breaker for me.
Even though Linda McCartney (wife of Paul from the Beatles) was a vegetarian, she still sadly died of cancer. I don't think there's any real promise that just because one eats organically, or is a vegetarian, that you are protected from such devastating illness.
I buy many items from Whole Foods (those that are inexpensive). Like someone else mentioned, we do the best we can and trust God with the rest. I think for those who can afford organic, that is wonderful - but it's not always attainable for everyone.
Thanks for hosting! It's my first time participating, and I enjoy all the frugal tips.
Sorry, please delete my repeat #90.
thanks :)
Great post, thanks! We try to get the best possible...it's not always organic. But we get what we can and we do notice the difference. One example is peanut butter. We only buy natural (peanuts only) peanut butter...Krema is our favorite brand. It's better than the stuff with the fillers, but not necessarily organic.
Hope,
You are a woman after my own heart! We have done many of these things and we find that organic can be very frugal, especially when compared to processed foods. I love our coop and I love locally grown items as well. With the price of gas skyrocketing up, I think locally grown things will be the key to keeping food costs down in the coming months.
Thanks for a great article!
We make "good" meat and dairy a priority, with small children and myself pregnant or nursing for a long time now. But when I say "good", that is not necessarily "organic" by a store label. We get fresh raw goat's milk locally. Also, grass-fed-no-chemicals/hormones-used meat was VERY expensive to buy, until we discovered buying a half-cow from a local farmer. This has worked wonderfully for our family.
On produce, we'd love to buy all "organic" or "locally-grown", but the availability is just not there on some items, so we do what we can. We do buy what IS available locally in quantity and freeze or can it for future use. Some items, such as apples or potatoes (stuff from the "dirty dozen" list, I will buy organic when available, but it seems to be a hit or miss thing at our local stores.
Whole organic grains are purchased in bulk in 25-lb bags and ground in our Nutrimill.
Overall, I think our budget is quite reasonable despite this, due to not spending money on overpriced convenience items very often. Cooking from scratch seems to make up the cost difference from buying "organic"/local.
I apologize for the double link above. I made a mistake and put my website address instead of my blog. So sorry!
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