Making Organic Affordable and Accessible

For years I had been reading about the benefits of eating organic foods. There were many upsides to eating organic. However, there was a huge downside: the cost. The cost of organic food was often two or three times the cost of conventional foods. Over time, that cost could add up quickly for a family of four who eats a a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

That was years ago. Times have certainly changed. Buying organic is now accessible and affordable. You no longer have to head to your local natural food store to buy organic produce, frozen foods, dry goods, and beauty products. And you no longer 

Tips for Shopping Organic on a Budget:

1. Use coupons.

Check for coupon circulars in your Sunday paper. Clip what you need and immediately put them in your purse so you have them on hand for shopping. 

Check web sites for organic retailers. They often offer coupons to registered users. I download coupons form Stonyfield and Annie's Homegrown on a monthly basis.

2. Shop around and compare prices.

Discount retailers and large warehouse stores now offer a variety of organic products. My favorite place to buy organic is Walmart. I stumbled on organic products at Walmart and was blown away by the variety and the prices.

Be willing to go to several different stores to purchase your organic products. Each store offers different deals. Going to several different places may seen counter productive, but you'll get what you want at prices you can't beat.

This 2 lb. bag of organic Pink Lady apples costs only $3.96 at Walmart.

Look at the selection of Stonyfield yogurts at Walmart. The individual cups of yogurt are only $.98!

3. Buy in season.

You will get much better prices on organic produce when you buy what is in season. For example, when I purchase organic strawberries in season, I generally pay around $3.99 per pound. Out of season, such as February, organic strawberries can cost you up to $7.00 per pound.

4. Stock up to save!

Whenever you see a good deal on organic foods, stock up. You don't know when you'll find the deal again, so take advantage of the great prices. If it's fruit, it will freeze well. Yogurt will keep well in the refrigerator even a few days past the expiration date. Make some space in your pantry for dry goods such as pastas and cereals.

Walmart makes buying organic affordable and accessible.

Healthy eating doesn't have to be costly or difficult. Using these tips will help you fill your refrigerator and pantry with organic foods and products at the lowest cost possible.

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield Yo-Getter I received a gift card to facilitate my shopping experience. All opinions are my own.