How to Shop for Organic Foods

The fundamental problem for consumers who want to pursue an organic lifestyle is locating organic foods. Supermarkets and chain stores offer foods labeled as organic, but there are plenty of broad definitions used by government bodies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sample product labels

1. Look at the limited organic foods available from local supermarkets and grocers. Chain grocers are beginning to stock a small amount of organic food at a lower price than organic stores to meet increasing demand.
2. Establish a good relationship with farmers and online sources for bulk purchases of grains. Grains and cooking ingredients cultivated in an organic way can be purchased in large amounts at a discount if you make a certain number of purchases.
3. Take advantage of open houses and other events at local farms to shop for organic foods. You should ask questions of farmers about their crop and cattle management techniques before you purchase organic products.
4. Exchange organic foods with community members to increase your access to unique products. The exchange of spices, cereals and other items that can be stored over a long period can save money for additional food purchases.
5. Design your ideal food label as a way to compare organic foods available in your community. You can print off a sample label with an ingredient list and nutritional values that need to be found in order to qualify for purchase.
6. Query organic food purveyors about the cleanliness of food packaging before you buy their products. Your purchase of organic cereal can be negated if the supplier uses harmful dyes for the exterior box.
7. Volunteer to work at a local cooperative in order to shop around for organic foods. Cooperatives help organic food lovers connect with one another and gain access to collective wisdom about sources of organic food.
8. Spread out your purchases to multiple organic food stores to support these businesses in your neighborhood. You should use one store for your primary grocery needs and look for deals on specific products or meals from competing stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Procure specialty items unavailable through local organic grocers from other eco-friendly businesses. Organic clothing stores, outdoor stores and bookstores have access to catalogs from a variety of vendors who offer organic products. You should only use these resources if the item in question is never offered in your area.