Tell me about going organic

[trcy]

Currently I get organic milk and yogurt for DD, but I feel like I should be getting more organic foods for her (and us). Are there things that are more improtant to get organic than others? How much more $$$ are we talking? Is there really a difference? I would love all of the input you have. TIA!!!

[wellyes]

Here is a good starting point!


http://www.atlantisqueen.com/storage/organic%20food%20pesticides%20comparison.jpg?__SQU ARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1315152465352

[daisymommy]

I would start with produce on the "Dirty Dozen" list that was mentioned above. After that move on to as many animal products (dairy, meat, chicken) as you can.

I spend the same amount, sometimes less, than all my friends who do not buy organic! So yes, it's certainly possible to do it on a budget, if you watch sales, clip coupons when possible, shop at reasonable stores (Trader Joes, Wegmans, Whole Foods, farmers market), and meal plan so you don't waste food.
I spend $150/$160 a week for a family of 5, for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, in a very high cost of living area. Reports show the average family of 4 here spend $150-$175 on regular (non-organic food).

And as to whether it's worth it, by gosh yes! The health benefits or organic* food (as well as the dangers of regular), are so large and many, I do whatever it takes to feed my family organic/natural foods.

It's really such a huge topic, I wouldn't know where to begin to show with statistics and reasons.

*P.S. There are many products that I buy that are not actually certified organic--but raised in the same manner. I may call them organic, when technically they are "naturally grown". But if they fit the same standards, it's good enough for me!

[daisymommy]

Teresah00~ I would be happy to help!
One of the biggest things in regards to meat is make sure that you are planning meat IN something as part of a larger main dish, not as meat being the main entree. Roasts and huge hunks of meat on the plate are going to be costly. But a pound of ground beef can be used in a meal to feed 4-6 people. A whole chicken can be roasted, the meat pulled off and diced/shredded and used in a dish to serve to 4-6, plus use the "frame" (aka the bones) to give you 2-3 quarts of organic chicken stock that normally costs $3.50 per quart at the store.

You can buy "naturally raised" meat & poultry at Whole Foods if you have one near you, that meets nearly all the same standards for organic, but for much less money.
Or, you an find a local farmer and buy a "side of beef" (aka half a cow), an they will package it all up into ground beef, steaks, roasts, etc. Anytime you buy in bulk, it's cheaper. Most of these farmers also sell bulk quantities of chicken and pork, often eggs too.


I'm going to reshare an old post:

My good friend recently decided to "go organic" for many of the same reasons you mamas here did. She is feeling overwhelmed, and asked me if I would please write down a typical weeks menu for our family, denote items that I purchased organic, and the prices. She also asked me to save my receipts so she could get an idea of what I am spending on organic food. So I did. And now I thought I would share it with you in the hopes that it might help someone else

Disclaimer:
I could have spent less in a few ways:
-Not buying snack foods; but with 3 munchie kids, this seems inevitable.
-Buying a side of beef from a local farmer, or several chickens from him
-Buying produce through a farmer's market
*The last two things I have done in the past, but I haven't been as organized lately, and am just shopping at the store, getting everything all at once.

I spent $150 for the week, but about $20 of this will last through a second week (such as the snacks and coffee).

Everything was bought at Trader Joes and Whole Foods (maybe 6 items were bought at the regular grocery store)

Here ya go!


Pesto Penne ($9.10)
1 box Barilla Plus Penne $1.69 (FYI: organic penne was the same price but this was more nutritious)
1 jar organic pesto $2.49
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes $0.82 (couldn't find organic)
¼ cup Organic Parmesan cheese, shredded $1.30
-------------------------------------------------------
1 loaf of French bread $1
1 Organic romaine lettuce heart $0.93 ($2.79 for 3)
Organic grape tomatoes--about 12-- $0.87 (1 pt. @ $3.49 /4 servings )
¼ of an organic cucumber $0.50


Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables ($11.20)
4 lb. organic whole chicken $9.96
1 lb. of organic potatoes $0.80 (#5 bag was $3.99)
4 organic carrots $0.44
*Drizzling of organic olive oil, sea salt and pepper in quantities too small to account for.


Chicken and Rice Soup ($1.28)
Homemade organic chicken stock: FREE
Leftover chicken, diced: FREE
3 organic carrots $0.33
3 stalks organic celery $0.50
1 cup of organic brown rice $0.45
Homemade biscuits


Shredded Beef Soft Tacos $21 (this will make enough for 2 meals though)
2.5 lbs. naturally raised beef chuck roast $9.70
8 oz. jar organic salsa $2.99
6 oz. bag of organic cheddar cheese $3.99 (after $1 off coupon)
1 organic romaine lettuce head, chopped $0.93
4 oz. organic sour cream $0.75
1 pkg. organic whole wheat tortillas $1.29
Spicy Rice & beans (1c. rice @ $0.45 & 1 can beans @ $0.89)= $1.35


Homemade Pizza $7.23 + $2.30 for salad = $9.53
Ball of pizza dough $0.99
Applegate Farms Natural Pepperoni $1.62 ($3.25 for ¼ lb. from the deli makes 2 pizzas/freeze the rest.)
6 oz. bag of organic mozarella cheese $3.99 (after $1 off coupon)
1/3 jar of organic pizza sauce $0.63
---------------------------------------
1 organic romaine lettuce heart $0.93 ($2.79 for 3)
Organic grape tomatoes $0.87 (1 pt. @ $3.49 /4 servings )
¼ of an organic cucumber $0.50


Sloppy Joes ($8.36 including sides)
1 lb. naturally raised ground beef $3.49
1 organic green pepper $1.75
2 organic carrots $0.21
1 yellow onion $0.25
1 cup of organic tomato ketchup $0.66
*vinegar, mustard and spices in quantities too small to account for.
---------------------------------
½ pkg. whole wheat hamburger buns $1
Organic baked corn chips $1
Fresh fruit (see below)


OTHER $90
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 gallon Organic Valley Milk $5.99 (I often have a $1 off coupon)
1 dozen organic eggs (pasteured and humane certified) $3.15
1 lb. Organic Valley Butter $4.99 (I often have a $1 off coupon)
2 (32 oz.) Stoneyfield Yogurt tubs @ $2.99 = $5.98 (I often have a $1 off coupon)
Organic string cheese $4.99 for a pack of 9
1 carton orange juice $2.99

Applegate Farms Natural Deli Meat ½ lb. $3.69
Applegate Farms Natural Bacon $3.99

Organic Ranch Dressing $3.49
1 lb. organic granola $3.19 (after $1 coupon)
Kettle chips $2.39
Whole grain pretzel sticks $1.99
Whole grain goldfish $2.99
Kashi multi-grain crackers $2.79 - $1 coupon = $1.79
TJ's Low-sugar cinnamon letter cookies $2.49
2 boxes of organic cereal @ $3.29 = $6.58 - $2 in coupons = $4.58
Organic raisins $1.99
Organic peanut butter $1.79
Organic jelly $ 3.49
Organic applesauce $2.49
Nature’s Own whole wheat bread $2.99
1 box. Organic macaroni and cheese $1.29
64 oz. organic apple juice $2.99
Organic & free-trade coffee $6.49

2 lb. bag of organic gala apples $2.29
2 lb. bag of organic D’anjou pears $2.29
6 organic bananas $1.75
2 lb. bag of clementines $2.99
Organic blueberries $2.50

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total of $150.47
(*And many of these pantry good items will last through a second week as well)

Other Notes:
Breakfast options include:
Eggs, bacon, and toast
Homemade pancakes, waffles, and French Toast that I make ahead and freeze; just reheat on weekdays.
Oatmeal
Yogurt, granola, & blueberries
Cereal and fruit
Homemade muffins (make ahead and freeze; just reheat on weekends)

Lunch options include:
Dinner left-overs (usually enough every day)
Sandwiches with deli-meat or PB&J, chips, fruit

[daisymommy]

I will post my "organic Menu #2" in a minute (have to dig up the file).

But here are some other ideas I have bookmarked as well:

100 Days of Real Food blog, with 5 different menu plans & shopping lists, all spending $167--the food stamps allotment for a family of 4 in this blogger's area. Most of the items on her menu are organic or "naturally raised" using organic standards.
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-resources/#mealplan


One month of eating organic, for $475 for the whole month--all purchased at Costco!
http://thegreenbacksgal.com/organic-costco-meal-plan-week-1/

[daisymommy]

Summer—Organic Meals Week #1

Grand Total of $170
(*But many of these pantry good items will last through a second week as well, making next week’s cost less, off-setting/lowering the cost of this first week)

Spaghetti with salad and French Bread $5.69 + $4.53 sides = $10.22
½ lb. naturally raised ground beef $1.75
1 jar organic pasta sauce $2.25
1 box Barilla Plus spaghetti noodles $1.69
------------------------------------
2 large handfuls of organic Spring lettuce mix $1.33 ($3.99 for a 16oz. tub/approx. 6 servings).
Organic grape tomatoes $0.87 (1 pt. @ $2.99 /4 servings )
1/3 of an organic cucumber $0.33
A few organic baby carrots (included in bag price below)
1 loaf fresh French bread $2

BBQ Beef Brisket with potato salad and corn on the cob $17.63
2 lb. naturally raised beef brisket $10.72
1 small onion $0.25
1 cup organic ketchup $0.66
Seasonings and spices in amounts too small to count
-------------------------
1 lb. potato salad from Whole Foods deli (all natural ingredients) $5
4 ears of GMO free corn on the cob $1

Teriyaki Grilled Chicken with Pineapple & Mango Salsa, and Jasmine Rice $7.35
2 large organic chicken breasts, filleted $5
¼ bottle of teriyaki marinade $0.50
------------------------------
½ mango $0.50
1 cup pineapple $0.50
½ red onion $0.25
Fresh cilantro $0.10
2 cups Jasmine rice $0.50

Steak Fajitas and Black Beans $15.33
1 lb. naturally raised skirt steak $6.99
2 organic bell peppers $3.49
1 onion $0.50
seasonings in amounts too small to count
--------------------------------------------
1 package of organic whole wheat flour tortillas $1.29
4 oz. grass-fed naturaly raised cheddar cheese $1.50
4 oz. organic sour cream $0.67
1 can black beans $0.89 (could have gone cheaper by using dry beans)

Homemade Pizza and salad $9.00
Ball of pizza dough $0.99
Applegate Farms Natural Pepperoni $1.62 ($3.25 for ¼ lb. from the deli makes 2 pizzas/freeze the rest.)
6 oz. bag of organic mozarella cheese $3.49
1/3 jar of organic pizza sauce $0.63
--------------------------------------
2 large handfuls of organic Spring lettuce mix $1 ($3.99 for a 16oz. tub - $1 coupon/3 servings).
Organic grape tomatoes $0.87 (1 pt. @ $2.99 /4 servings )
1/3 of an organic cucumber $0.33
A few organic baby carrots (included in bag price below)


Hot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with blue cheese dressing and veggie crudites $8.00
2 organic chicken breasts, filleted in half $5
Seasonings and spices all in amounts too small to count
½ pkg. (4) wheat sandwich rolls $1
1 bottle of organic blue cheese dressing $2
(*note: I was going to make it from scratch, but it would have cost twice as much)
-------------
Organic celery cut into sticks (included in bag price below)
Organic baby carrots (included in bag price below)

TOTAL COST for 6 meals and sides: $65


OTHER $105.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 gallon Organic Valley Milk $5.99
2 dozen cage free, humane certified eggs $2.39 x 2 = $4.78
8 oz. brick of grass-fed, naturally raised butter $2.59
2 (32 oz.) Stoneyfield Yogurt tubs @ $2.99 = $5.98
2 x 8oz. bricks of grassfed, naturally raised cheddar cheese $6.58
Applegate Farms Natural Deli Meat ½ lb. $3.69
Applegate Farms Natural Bacon $3.99
Natural sausage (1 roll) $3.49
Organic Salad Dressing $1.99
Kettle chips $2.39
Whole grain pretzel sticks $1.99
Annie’s organic cheddar bunnies $2
1 bag trail mix $3.69
Kashi multi-grain crackers $2.79 - $1 coupon = $1.79
Low-sugar organic animal crackers $3.29
Organic raisins $1.99
Organic peanut butter $1.79
Organic jelly $ 2.99
Organic applesauce $2.49
Nature’s Own whole wheat bread $2.49
1 box. Organic macaroni and cheese $0.99
64 oz. organic apple juice $2.99
Organic & free-trade coffee $6.49
Organic maple syrup $5.49
Rolled oats $2.49
1 box of oat-O’s cereal $1.99
4 organic plums $2.76
4 organic peaches $2.76
4 organic nectarines $2.76
4 organic gala apples $2.36
6 organic banannas $1.75
1 lb of organic red grapes $2.49
1 lb. bag of organic baby carrots $1.69
Bunch of organic celery $2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total of $170
(*But many of these pantry good items will last through a second week as well, making next week’s cost less, off-setting/lowering the cost of this first week)


Breakfast this week includes:
Pancakes or waffles with bacon
Egg, cheese, and sausage casserole
Whole wheat biscuits
Baked oatmeal and fruit
Egg muffins
Blueberry muffins

Lunch options include:
Dinner left-overs (usually enough every day)
Sandwiches with deli-meat or PB&J, chips, fuit

[daisymommy]

Summer—Organic Meals Week #2

Grand Total of $155 spent

Basil, Tomato & Mozarella Pasta, green salad, French bread $10.65
1 package tortellini pasta $3.50
½ pkg. organic cherry tomatoes $1.50
4 oz. cubes of organic mozzarella cheese $1.65
½ bottle organic Italian dressing $1
-------------------------------------------
1 loaf of fresh French bread $2
1 organic romaine lettuce heart $0.99
A few broccoli florets and organic baby carrots (included in price below)

BBQ Shredded Pork Sandwiches and Coleslaw $17 (but this makes 2 meals!)
1.5 lb. Pork shoulder or butt roast (from pastured, naturally raised pork) $13
1 yellow onion
½ bottle BBQ sauce $1
½ pkg. (4) whole wheat sandwich rolls $1
-----------------------------------------
2 c. shredded cabbage $2, and carrots (listed below)
Vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar at home

Mexican Grilled Chicken Breasts with Black Bean & Corn Salsa, tortilla chips $10.39
2 large free-range organic chicken breasts, filleted $5
1 can black beans $0.89
2 cups organic frozen corn kernels $1
1 organic red bell pepper $1.75
1/2 red onion $0.25
Organic yellow tortilla chips $1.50

Grilled Steak, Baked Potatoes, Green Salad $16.74 (treat meal; I don’t normally buy steak).
2 naturally raised beef steaks $13
2 large organic russet potatoes, halved $2
1 organic romaine lettuce heart $0.99
Organic grape tomatoes $0.75 (1 pt. @ $2.99 /4 servings)
A few broccoli florets and organic baby carrots (included in price below)

Homemade Pizza and salad $9.00
Ball of pizza dough $0.99
Applegate Farms Natural Pepperoni $1.62 ($3.25 for ¼ lb. from the deli makes 2 pizzas/freeze the rest.)
6 oz. bag of organic mozzarella cheese $3.49
1/3 jar of organic pizza sauce $0.63
1 Organic Romaine lettuce heart
Organic grape tomatoes $0.75 (1 pt. @ $2.99 /4 servings )

Sloppy Joes and Sweet Potato Fries $10.15
1 lb. naturally raised ground beef $3.49
1 organic green pepper $1.75
1 yellow onion $0.25
1 cup of organic tomato ketchup $0.66
*vinegar, mustard and spices in quantities too small to account for.
½ pkg. whole wheat hamburger buns $1
3 organic sweet potatoes $3

TOTAL: $73


OTHER $57
-------------------------------------------------------------------
1 gallon Organic Valley Milk $5.99
2 dozen cage free, humane certified eggs $2.39 x 2 = $4.78
8 oz. brick of Kerrygold grass-fed, naturally raised butter $2.59
2 (32 oz.) Stoneyfield Yogurt tubs @ $2.99 = $5.98
2 x 8oz. bricks of Tilamook grass-fed, naturally raised cheddar cheese $6.58
Applegate Farms Natural Deli Meat ½ lb. $3.69
Applegate Farms Natural Bacon $3.99
Natural sausage (1 roll) $3.49
Kettle chips $2.39
Annie’s organic cheddar bunnies $2
1 bag trail mix $3.69
Organic applesauce $2.49
Nature’s Own whole wheat bread $2.99
1 box. Organic macaroni and cheese $1.29
64 oz. organic apple juice $2.99
1 bag of baby carrots $1.69
1 head of broccoli $1
Various organic fruits, totaling $25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total of $ 155


Breakfast this week includes:
Pancakes or waffles with bacon
Egg, cheese, and sausage casserole
Whole wheat biscuits
Baked oatmeal and fruit
Egg muffins

Lunch options include:
Dinner left-overs (usually enough every day)
Sandwiches with deli-meat or PB&J, chips, fuit

[elbenn]

I am interested in this thread because we buy a lot of organic, but it's so expensive to buy all organic. Daisymommy, you are so helpful in these food threads!

[trcy]

Thank you for the "Dirt Dozen" list and all of the great meal planning ideas. I feel I now have a good starting point and am not drowning in an organic sea :) To further complicate things, I am a vegetarian and DH is not, so making dinner involves two versions of the same meal, but it all works out.