How to Choose the Best Organic Food on a Budget

After sharing the documentary Food Inc. with Phillip, we decided that we need to make changes. We know that buying organic food can be more expensive, so we came to the conclusion that we will need to make changes in the way we spend our money. It doesn't make sense that we are able to buy things that are not really necessary, when we can be buying food that will be better for us and our planet. We plan to grow our own garden, but in the mean time we will be visiting the Farmers Market and buying organic food from Trader Joe's. We found a website that was very useful: http://www.localharvest.org/
I found some good info. I wanted to share:

It’s no secret that organic is the best way to go if you’re looking to preserve your health and stay away from harmful preservatives, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. But then, it’s also well known that to go organic means to incur additional costs. If you’re torn between preventing harm to your body and preventing damage to your bank account, there are ways to shop for the best organic food even if you’re on a budget. It adds up to just a little more effort on your part, but it’s worth your time and energy. So here are a few handy tips on how to choose the best of organic food on a budget:

* Buy seasonal food: If it’s in season, it naturally follows that there is an abundance of it. So instead of buying the same fruits and vegetables you do all year round, look for the ones that are in season and take them home. You not only save money, you also get to vary your diet and get the benefit of all-round nutrition. Also, when you buy seasonal food and items that are available locally, you’re assured of getting nothing but the freshest and most-recently packaged foods.
* Visit farmers’ markets: It may take half a day or more of your time, but you get the freshest food at lower costs at local farms or at farmers’ markets. Prepare a shopping list in advance, look around to see what’s available, and based on your budget, buy in bulk items that keep for long when frozen. Items like egg and dairy products like milk cannot be stored for long periods of time without their taste and quality being compromised, but meats and processed dairy like cheese and butter keep for longer. So buy a whole week’s or fortnight’s worth, and freeze what you’re not going to use right away.
* Write in for coupons: Most organic producers allow you to write in or subscribe for coupons if you’re going to buy from them on a regular basis. So watch local newspapers for long-term offers or write in to organic farmers and producers to ask for a discount on food and dairy products if you commit to a long-term relationship. You get to stay within your budget when you calculate your monthly savings.
* Avoid exotic food: You may enjoy exotic food once in a while, but if it’s not basic, it tends to cost more. So if you cannot afford to go both organic and exotic, put your money where there’s more worth and stick to the basic food necessities like seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy, poultry and meat.
* Make your own meals: Readymade organic meals, condiments and other ready-to-eat items are costlier than buying organic ingredients and making your own meals. So unless you’re pressed for time and need a quick meal, buy organic ingredients and prepare your own meals. Not only do you get the benefit of fresh, home-cooked food, you’re also staying within your shopping budget.

Once you begin to adapt to the organic way of life and gain more experience in organic shopping, it’s easy to find tips and tricks to stay within your budget.