If you are eating organically and enjoy it as much as I do then you will have probably noticed that it can be more expensive than conventional food. In fact it is one of the arguments put forward by people who think that organic food is just a fad or even a con. However, I feel that the advantages of organic food are well documented and to my mind it really comes down to one issue, do you and your children really want to eat pesticides with your food? I am guessing that your answer is no and that you want to continue eating organically grown and reared fruit, vegetables and meat. However, how do you go about keeping the cost down? I have five suggestions to help you:
Try growing your own fruit and vegetables
This method is not only very cost effective but is also a lot of fun. The great thing is that it doesn't require you to have much garden space, or even a garden at all!
Myself and my children grow tomatoes, peppers and strawberries in containers and because of this get total control over the growing conditions.
The best combination is to make use of organic compost together with organically produced seeds or plants. This ensures that you get the full flavor and health benefits possible.
If you are already a keen gardener you will know how versatile containers can be. Just put them in an area that receives a reasonable amount of daylight, and keep watered.
Small local suppliers can be cheaper than supermarkets
It is easy to get into the habit of buying everything all in one go at your regular supermarket. But do you ever compare their prices with that of the smaller retailers in your area? You really should, I have found many an unexpected bargain and I find it particularly satisfying because you get the freshest ingredients for your kitchen and also get to support local businesses.
Don't forget that these same businesses will be employing local staff so you are also helping the local economy, everybody wins in this scenario.
Look out for markets
We have found several large markets held at weekends in our area. Organic food is just one of the variety of items sold there but the prices are very, very good indeed. Most of the traders are local suppliers and with several of them in one place we benefit from healthy competition and get to sample a lot of fruit!
We have found several large markets held at weekends in our area. Organic food is just one of the variety of items sold there but the prices are very, very good indeed. Most of the traders are local suppliers and with several of them in one place we benefit from healthy competition and get to sample a lot of fruit!
Join your local organic box scheme
Subscribing to an organic food box scheme is a great way to choose organic produce with ease. You will receive, delivered to your door, a weekly selection of fruit and vegetables that are in season. This naturally varies throughout the year and so does the contents of your box.
Organic farm shops
Finally, investigate whether any farms near you are operating an organic farm shop. Our local one is operated on an open farm and we regularly take the kids there who enjoy being close to the animals and seeing the fields where the crops are grown close at hand. It is possible to see the conditions where the animals are being kept and the quality of the crops.
If you investigate the options above you should be able to make considerable savings in your food budget. Allowing you and your family to economically sample the delights and advantages of organic food.
About the author
Virginia Louise makes it easy to sample the delights of organic food. Pick up 7 free recipes all made with organic ingredients by visiting: http://www.organicfoodinfo.net
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