• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Farmers Markets Often Have the Best Prices for Organic Foods

Posted on: Tuesday, 20 September 2005, 15:01 CDT

Lawndale residents Layla and Beau, recently married 28-year- olds, have just celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Paris. They worry about the nutrition and safety of the food that they will prepare for their daughter now that she is fully off baby foods. As such, they have decided to switch to buying organic food for their family.

When the couple shopped recently at their local major chain grocery store, they were distressed by the high prices of the organic food in the "natural foods" section. Layla writes, "We have lots of single friends working low-paying jobs who buy only organic food ... how do they afford it?" The two want to stick to their conviction to buy organic, but say they need advice so that they can feasibly stock their fridge and cupboards. The financial picture

Layla works full time as an art teacher in a private school and earns $40,000 annually. Beau primarily stays at home with Paris and restores artwork and painted antique furniture on a contract basis. His income averages $25,000 a year. The two budget $225 a week for groceries, and have been managing well on that sum buying non- organic foods.

Plan of action

First off, it behooves Layla and Beau to understand more about the differences between conventional and organic foods, as the noticeable price differences occur because of the markedly different food-production methods.

"Conventional" food may be grown using pesticides, herbicides and other synthetic chemicals. Conventional food also may be genetically modified or irradiated.

Conversely, "organic" food is grown without synthetic chemicals of any kind, and natural fertilizer (such as manure) is used to maintain soil integrity and longevity. Organic farming is usually done on a much smaller scale than farms that use conventional methods, and it requires more labor.

The most feasible method for buying organic foods is the same one perhaps that applies to most purchases: shop around. By purchasing organic food from several places, Beau and Layla will make their $225 a week go much further.

For starters, Beau and Layla should buy produce at local farmers markets when possible, as organic produce is readily available and often well priced. The lower prices at farmers markets result from the fact that this direct-to-consumer method of shopping eliminates the "middlemen" and distributors grocery stores rely upon.

Second, the couple might avoid the natural foods sections of the large grocery chains that focus primarily on conventional goods. These stores often have the highest prices for their organic goods, as demand is typically low in these settings.

However, it is worthwhile to check out these stores' offerings on occasion, as they sometimes overstock items and then offer rock- bottom prices when they need shelf space.

Layla and Beau should be aware that buying organic foods in bulk - - especially grains, legumes, flour and some snack-type items -- often is far cheaper than buying comparable pre-packaged goods.

For the record, Whole Foods Market carries what may be the largest range of store-brand organic products. Often much more reasonably priced than other smaller companies' products on the same shelves, the "365 Organic Everyday Value" product line includes children's and artisan foods.

The California-based chain Trader Joe's is also worth the trip, especially as it sells certain items (such as organic soymilk) at often unbeatable prices. It might be worthwhile to check "TJ's" prices on organic staples before purchasing elsewhere.

Co-operative grocery stores are a good next stop. These stores, contrary to common belief, often do not require membership to obtain shopping privileges. Layla and Beau might be surprised by co-ops' often reasonable prices on select specialty goods. Some co-ops even feature a "distressed" produce shelf, where slightly imperfect organic produce is offered at roughly half price. Co-ops are a good year-round resource when farmers markets aren't open.

A recent random price check at a large natural foods chain store, on four basic foods, was illuminating: Differences in average price of comparable conventional and organic foods was never more than $1, and many organics cost only 20 cents to 80 cents more than their conventional counterparts. Further, some items that came in organic and conventional forms were comparably priced.

If Beau and Layla are savvy shoppers and willing to devote a bit of extra time each week to the endeavor, they might manage well without substantially increasing their budget.

The following Web sites might be a help as they make the transition:

* Whole Foods Market, www.wholefoods.com

* Trader Joe's, www.traderjoes.com

* Southern California farmers market locations and hours, www.farmernet.com

* Southern California natural food cooperatives, www.greenpeople.org/healthfood.htm

* Finetuning. A recent article offered a rundown on the differences between organic and conventional food, and hints on labeling, other considerations, http://www.finetuning.com/articles/ p0-478-organic-food-basics.html.

Stephanie Enright owns Enright Financial Consultants of Torrance. Write to her at the Daily Breeze, 5215 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503-4077. If you need financial advice, include a stamped, self- addressed envelope so you can receive a confidential questionnaire to return. Questionnaires are also available at the Daily Breeze. Only letters chosen for publication will be answered; your real name will not be used.

Source: Daily Breeze

More News in this Category