Organic Food Benefits: 4 Tips To Buy Cheap & Healthy Food
February 23rd, 2010 Posted in Green Living & News
The 2010 Winter Olympics are in full swing and man does Shaun White have some tricks up his sleeves. You’re watching Mr. White and other Olympic athletes compete for gold medals, while sitting on the couch relaxing and eating potato chips with friends.
Do you ever feel lazy and out of shape? It might not be possible to get the same body and lifestyle of an Olympic athlete, but it is plausible to maintain a healthy diet and not break the bank in the meantime.
Reasons Why Some Organic Food Is Expensive
Many people associate organic food with people with a swanky lifestyle and a big wallet. Although, this stereotype has some basis because organic foods can be expensive if you aren’t vigilant. However, the health benefits to these foods are what make up for the cost. So, why is organic food more expensive than conventional food? Here are the 4 main reasons:
- Organic food is produced in limited supply as compared to the increasing demand for it
- Production costs are typically higher for organic foods because the labor that goes into it is greater than what goes into mass producing conventional foods in assembly lines
- Organic foods have to be separated during processing and transportation, which ends up costing more to handle than the same quantity of conventional food would cost to handle
- Since organic foods are consumed in smaller volumes than conventional foods, the marketing and distribution is pricier because the market is not developed enough to meet the costs
4 Tips For Buying Cheap Food
Being healthy and thrifty is possible to do by simply following these tips for buying organic food:
- Shop At Farmers’ Markets
- Join A Food Co-Op
- Buy In Bulk
- Be Aware Of Discounts & Coupons
The best place to buy local produce is at a farmers’ market because it is often bought fresh from the farm or field. These markets are often from local farmers and local growers that are operating independent of big companies or corporate farms, which makes all of the food they sell very cheap.
Many farmers will have signs indicating if their food is organic, which means you have to remain observant of it being both organic and cheap. Since it is a farmers’ market the prices are often not set, so negotiate deals on the prices of food. Try and barter a discount for buying in bulk, whenever you can.
A food co-op is an association of farmers that come together for members of the co-op to buy from them. Members recieve a discount on the foods they purchase in the co-op.
Most products in a co-op are organic and come from local families and farms. To become a member of a local co-op all you need to do is sign up and then pay the affordable dues. To find a co-op in your area just do some research online for the quickest results.
Like we said before, whether buying in bulk at a farmers’ market, co-op, or regular supermarket it is always cost-efficient. Buying food in bulk containers that can be stored for long periods of time is key to stretching your dollar to as far as it can go.
When buying items in bulk be certain to set aside a cool place in your home to store all of your extra food. Be smart about what you buy in bulk, buying a 20 gallon tub of peanut butter may not be practical for most families, but buying a larger box of cereal might make sense.
Check sales fliers daily for coupons and sales on organic foods to save some extra cash. Researching which place has the best sales and discounts will help to cut your costs dramatically. Buying the stores brand may be cheaper than buying the most popular name brand foods as well.
So, What Does This Mean For You?
Following these tips doesn’t mean you’ll be guaranteed a spot in the next Olympics, but it will certainly help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Green food is good for your soul and is an easy way to get energy without having to change your current lifestyle too much. Being proactive about what you choose to eat is all it takes to be at your own personal prime and feel good about yourself in 2010.
3 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By Moritz @ organicos.eu on Feb 27, 2010
There is another strategy I know: consumers co-ops. Some people get together and buy in bulk.
By EcoSMART Brian on Mar 2, 2010
Hello Moritz,
What a great idea! Thanks for your contribution.
By Organic Bed on Jul 12, 2010
Nice job pointing out the real reasons why organic food is expensive. For the most part it isn’t simply because of greedy companies. It all comes down to supply and demand, and the legitimate costs organic producers incur.
I finally just started taking the approach that if an organic option exists, that’s the only option for me to buy. Non-organic food simply SHOULD NOT EXIST! So if milk costs me $3.50 for a half gallon, then that’s what it costs, and cheap imitations of real milk that cost $2 simply don’t exist in my mind.
All other purchases and budgeting must be adjusted accordingly. It’s all about setting priorities.
-Eric