Buying Organic on a Budget

As a mom on a budget, I regularly experience guilt and uncertainty in grocery stores, trying to decide whether to buy organic. In a perfect world, where I have an unlimited amount of money to spend on groceries, I always buy organic. Unfortunately, like most of us, I do not live in that perfect world. I only have a set amount each week to spend on my family meal and since organic food is more expensive, buying organic exclusively is not a possibility. I had to pick and choose what to buy based on what I could afford and how important it was to buy organic. What most people don't know is that not all organic foods are created equal. This means that buying certain "organic" foods is more important then other foods.

Why Buy Organic at All?

You may be wondering, what's so important about buying organic food? Why do I have to spend more to get the same thing? Nutritionally there is no difference between organic and non-organic vegetables. They both contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals. The main difference is what is not in the organic version. Organic vegetables are free from synthetic pesticides and organic meats without the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic does not mean that food is free of pesticides. Organic farmers are allowed to use some pesticides, not just synthetics. Organic food also has little impact on the environment as synthetic pesticides used in traditional agriculture can cause havoc on nearby land and water sources, affecting fish and other wildlife.

When To Buy Organic Essentials And When It Does Not:

There are some foods that you will definitely want to buy organic if possible. These are foods that have a delicate skin that is not easily scrubbed. Berry is at the top of this list. Salads, celery, carrots, potatoes and fruits such as apples, peaches and pears should also be purchased organically when they can be used as they are usually sprayed with pesticides and have a soft, thin skin that makes it impossible to scrub or eliminate toxins completely. If you need to buy these products at least organic make sure they are manufactured in the United States. The US has stricter regulations than many other countries. Fruits and vegetables with inedible skin are not so important to buy organic. Oranges, bananas, avocados, onions, nuts and eggplant fall into this category. Make sure you wash it before you cut it to make sure you do not transfer any pesticides from the skin to the inside. There are also vegetables that don't find all that interesting like broccoli, asparagus and cabbage which you don't have to worry too much about.

Meat is another food where buying organic makes a big difference, but the difference in prices can be surprising. The best answer for shoppers is to eat less of them or eliminate them from your diet together. Personally I try to eat less, that way I can use the extra savings to buy organic or at least feed growth hormone.

Other Things to Consider ...

• Growing vegetables in your own garden is the cheapest and I would argue the best way to get organic produce!


• Buying locally can be better than buying organic. Most of these farms are not certified "Organic", but this does not mean that their produce is full of pesticides or that their meat is full of antibiotics and growth hormones. The best thing about buying local is the fact that you can talk to the person who raises or develops the food and knows exactly what process they are using. Most farmers are more comfortable talking to you about it. Obviously there is a bit of drive and planning involved in buying food locally, but what I love is personal interaction. This is a more human experience than a grocery store and I feel it is better to save more money in my area.


• If you are unable to buy organic or organic foods that are not available where you live, do not avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. Pesticides or not, they are still the most nutritious food you can eat. Just be sure to wash the results with a scrub brush that you use exclusively to wash fruits and vegetables.

Buying Organic on a Budget


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