OK, reality check: We are all on a budget when it comes to food buying. So, how do we make the best choices when it comes to grocery shopping?

I had a friend on social assistance who only bought organic for herself and her three children. While I applaud the sentiment, her children were hungry. I know this because they came to my house every day and rooted through my cupboards for something to eat.

Unless you have a healthy income, eating everything organic is not the best decision. So, what do the rest of us with real grocery budgets do?

My personal take on this dilemma is to buy as much organic as I can; then buy the regular stuff to supplement. Depending on the pay period, this could be a 5% organic week or a 45% organic week. And there are certain things that are wise to buy organic. Check out the following article for an overview of The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15.  I choose to make sure that my family always has enough healthy food to fill them up, organic or not.

There are three main categories for produce: certified organic, locally grown (with or without organic practices) and conventional (pesticides and so on probably used).

Sometimes organic produce and meat can induce sticker shock. It is generally more expensive than conventionally grown food. But there is a good reason for this. In order to be certified organic, the farmer must go to a lot of expense, time and effort. They are audited regularly, they can only use costly fertilizers, parts of their land cannot be farmed, and there are many other factors as well. Staffing costs are generally much higher as most things need to be done by hand. Farmers who go through the process of certification are definitely dedicated!!

The potential downside to “certified organic” is the smaller list of available items. There are only so many seed varieties that are currently organically produced, and organic seed varieties do not boast the yields that GMOs do. While local organics are available during peak summer months, offerings can be really slim in the winter.

When it comes to locally grown produce, it really is who you know. I recommend that you go to a farmers market or a farm, and look the farmer in the eye. Ask questions about their practices. Many local growers use organic practices (meaning no pesticide use, crop-rotation, etc.), but do not have the resources to become certified organic. When you are on a budget, these growers and producers are often much more economical than the certified growers.

Fierce opposition has grown between certified and non-certified farmers. This does not mean that all local growers are created equal though! There are many out there who use Round-up and other nasties. There are also many local growers with produce available in season at the supermarkets. Ask the produce department for growing information or call the farm yourself.

Conventional produce is 90% of what is available in the grocery store. Our reality today is that if you want to eat tomatoes or pineapples all year round, you are most likely going to be eating conventional produce. We have all heard the stories about Monsanto and GMOs, but for me, it is important that my family eats fruit and veggies every day, even the “bad” stuff. I hope that the good outweighs the bad in this instance!

If you want to incorporate more organic foods into your family’s week, there are a few good ways to do it:

• Buy in season. This cannot be overstated. Even organics are cheaper when they are in season. And they taste better.
• If you are on a tight budget, add one organic item each time you shop. Even one thing will make a small difference. And don’t feel bad if you just can’t make it work this week. Try again next week. If you gradually switch your shopping habits over the course of a few months, they will be easier to incorporate into your budget.
• Buy bulk when possible, and either preserve it for later or split it with another family.
• Check out an organic vegetable delivery program (like Whole Hog Farms!) or a local farm CSA (Community-supported agriculture) bin program. This is especially great for people who want to try some new things and like the convenience of having someone else pick everything out and drop it on your doorstep.

Remember that any way you can make a good or better choice is still good. Great even! Don’t beat yourself up if you cannot afford to buy everything organic – neither can I! Just make the best choices you can to make your family and budget happy.

Angeline Street
Glass Slipper Cleaning
Whole Hog Farms GF Sausages
Tel: 250-954-0246
Email: angstreet@telus.net

See all articles by Angeline Street