On Healthy Living

My favorite article today comes from AlterNet, talking about how the average cashier at a Whole Foods Market would not be able to afford to shop there, assuming that person was the sole breadwinner for a family of three.

The fact that wholesome, natural foods often cost more than junk food and lower-quality products is hardly news. But it is interesting to think about the connection between sustainability and offering workers a living wage. I guess I assumed that companies that support good agricultural practices and organic, healthy food that is more accessable would also think to pay their workers enough that they could afford to eat it.

Eating within your means is often a problem for people who want to eat healthier but are afraid they can’t afford it. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your natural foods dollar.

• Buy local. Farmers markets and farm stands have much better prices than the grocery stores, and the food is better quality, too.
• Buy seasonal. Whether shopping at a farm stand or a store, try to stick to the produce that is in season. It will be a lot cheaper and taste better.
• Bulk bins are our friends. Every natural foods store on the planet has a bulk foods section, and it’s a great place to save money because you aren’t paying for packaging. Buy dried beans, grains, spices and cereals here to save big bucks. My local natural foods store (about as far from a chain as you can get) also has bulk peanut butter, trail mix, coffee and more.
• Buy independent. Or at least compare prices if you have more than one option for natural foods. The chain stores have incredible buying power, but, as this story suggests, they may be more interested in profit than they are in keeping food affordable. A co-op might be a better option. You might have to pay a little to join but you’ll make it back in savings.
• Take advantage of sales. Like other stores, natural food stores have sales. Check the website or sign up for the store newsletter, then buy lots of whatever you need that is on sale. Sometimes stores also offer coupons and customer appreciation specials (my co-op has 10 percent off weekends a few times a year).
• Go unprocessed. Just like in the regular store, the more raw, unprocessed things you can buy, the cheaper and healthier your trip will be. Stear clear of the frozen meals, prepared foods, deli items, crackers and chips to save big bucks.

  Yes, natural foods, especially organic foods, tend to be more expensive. But if you can afford it, the expense is worth it for a better eating experience, healthier foods and a healthier planet.

Sarah White wrote this on January 25th, 2006 and filed it under Healthy Living, Diet & Exercise, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Eating, Health Foods, Vegetarian Cooking, Raw Foods |