Eating healthy doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you're avoiding organic products because you think they're out of your reach, you're in for a surprise. There are many ways to make organic affordable if you're willing to do the legwork. It's certainly worth it.
Do Your Homework
Do you know what's available in your community? How many health food stores are at a reasonable distance? How do their prices compare? Make your own price book by visiting several stores and comparing costs, quality, and availability. Do any of these stores offer weekly sales? End of the month specials? How about discounts for senior citizens? Do they have a membership card that gives you an extra discount on purchases? Many stores have sales bin for discounted products or goods with damaged containers. Finally, many Asian markets often sell organic produce. Don't be afraid to ask around.
Log On
You shouldn't be surprised to learn that many small, local businesses, including farmer's associations and food co-ops, now have websites. Do a quick search for your city and see what comes up. As an alternative, check the Organic Consumers Association or All Organic Links. Both websites include a search-by-state function that allows you to find anything from eco marketplaces to distributors, local growers, and organic events.
Shop at Farmers' Markets
The rule of thumb here is to ask questions. Although it is likely that most of the food there is organic, it's certainly not guaranteed. For the best bargains, go late in the day --Many farmers' markets prefer to sell everything at heavily discounted prices, rather than taking everything back home. Many have a second stash of "less-than-perfect" produce that they will sell you at a lower price just for the asking. Ask for a discount if you're buying a large quantity of a specific product. Do they sell in bulk? It may be worth it to spend more at once and then freeze whatever you're not using in the following couple of days.
Be Flexible
Organic produce prices vary from month to month and even week to week. Broccoli may cost $4 a bunch this week, and $1.50 the next. Plan your meals according to what's on sale rather than having a fixed menu. Be willing to substitute or do without. Experiment with new vegetables and recipes.
Buy Into a CSA Program
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs sell shares to customers. Your money supports a local farm operation and in exchange you get weekly or bi-weekly containers of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Shares start at $300 for the season (about 25 weeks). You could always share the expense with a like-minded friend to cut costs, or ask if the program allows for small monthly payments rather than asking for the whole sum upfront. Some programs also sell half-shares.
Find Coupons
While coupons for organic produce are hard to find, they do exist. Look for them on products' packaging and health magazines. Many companies have discounts you can print directly from their website. Love a special product but can't find a coupon? Contact the company. Many will send you a coupon or discount as a thank you for taking the time to write.
Join a Co-Op
A food cooperative is a group of people that gets together to operate their own store, which sometimes it's also open to the public. Members either pay a share or volunteer a few hours of work a week as payment. Food is ordered from a wholesaler in large quantities (hence the savings) and delivered to a local distribution site (the "store"), from where members pick up their share. Check Cooperative Grocer's website to find a co-op near you or to learn how to start one. Or call the National Cooperative Business Association and ask for a recommendation.
Buy in Bulk
Many organic grains and beans are cheaper when bought straight from the bulk containers. You're saving the company the packaging and advertisement costs and those savings are usually passed on to you. Note that I say "usually." Always do the math and make sure that the savings are worth the trouble. Food sold in bulk must be kept on a dry place, preferably on an air-tight container. If you have to spend a lot of money on special containers to save just a couple of cents, it may not be worth it.
Take Advantage of Your Freezer
When you find an especially good deal, buy in large quantities and freeze. Organic broccoli may be affordable in summer, but it will cost you a small fortune in winter. The same goes for strawberries, cauliflower, and many seasonal vegetables. Or you can choose to buy the already-frozen version during the off season. Frozen fruits make for great treats in winter, and frozen vegetables are perfect for soups and stews. If you're handy in the kitchen, you can always learn food canning and drying for more alternatives.
Search for a Community Garden
A smaller variation of the CSA programs, they are usually cheaper but also offer a more limited selection of fruits and vegetables. Many allow you to work your own patch of land, while others let you pick up your boxes of produce once a week. No community garden in your area? Start one. Many land owners would let you work their land for a share of the harvest or a small fee. It doesn't hurt to ask. If you have a large backyard, you can certainly grow fruit trees without much effort. If you live in an apartment, you can at least grow herbs. Don't let your space limit you. To find a community garden in your area, check the Biodynamic Farming Association website or your local Yellow Pages. Many programs also advertise in bulletin boards in health food stores and supermarkets.
Pick Your Own
Not matter where you live, there's bound to be a farm within drivable distance. While many offer pick-your-own fruit (which can be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon), many also sell organic produce either in their shops or at roadside stands.