If eating high quality food with few pesticides and chemicals is important to you, it may be easier than you’d think to save money on your grocery bill. The organic section of your grocery store isn’t the only place to purchase healthy whole foods; in fact, it may be the most expensive option!

If you’re searching for organic or hormone-free meats, free range eggs, or low to no pesticide produce, you already know how expensive such items can be at traditional grocery stores. It can be a bit intimidating to watch your bill go higher and higher each month, and it may be tempting to switch back to traditionally farmed items. Before you do so, however, consider taking advantage of what your local community has to offer.

Farm Markets – Food with a Face

First, check out any local growers or farm markets near you. Our neighborhood has one every Sunday during the spring,summer, and fall, and we can often find some great deals. Be sure to ask the vendor where your produce is coming from – some import the food from other areas. Most, however, grow their produce locally and use minimal pesticides. When in doubt, just ask. Farmers are generally more than happy to discuss their products with you.

We’re able to get fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, honey, plants, and bread at our farm market, and my wallet is very thankful! If money is especially tight, consider asking around as the market is about to close and seeing if any of the farmers will give you a discount. They may not want to load everything up and take it home, meaning a better deal for you.

CSA Farms – Community Supported Agriculture

CSAs are another way to support your local community and buy high quality food at the same time. In this farming model, members pay up front for a season of vegetables. They then get a weekly delivery or pick up of produce, fruits, and sometimes meat. CSAs are available for different seasons, depending on your geographical area. Local Harvest is a website that provides information about CSAs, farm markets and more – check to see what you can find for your local area. We participated in a CSA for the first time this year from a local organic farm, and were able to get a half bushel of organic produce each week for about half what it would have cost at the grocery store.

Not Your Typical Warehouse Store

If possible, you may also want to think about buying items in bulk. I’m not talking about warehouse stores like Costco and Sams Club, although I suppose those are options as well. I’m thinking more along the lines of co-ops, Amish food markets, and dry good stores. Often these types of stores have bulk bins, where you can purchase as much or as little of an item as you need. Products are priced by the pound, and since there’s no flashy packaging, prices are lower overall. We purchase many staples this way, such as beans, flour, lentils, etc. We find that we can get a variety of more expensive ingredients that we couldn’t otherwise afford, by buying them from the bulk bins.

Far too many people rule out organic or pesticide free food as an option based simply on the prices at their local grocer. With some creativity and research, it may be possible to afford high quality organic or local food, even on a budget.

Photo by empracht.