I’m pretty hardcore about eating organic food. I’ve looked for ways to decrease our shopping bill because when you buy quality, organic food it can get expensive! I’ve sourced ways to save your family money while buying organic foods – from local sources to organic food delivery.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
We have a fantastic local co-op where I live for organic foods. We also go to Costco and buy the few organic items they have there.
Of course, I love our local farmer’s markets and go there as much as possible as well. We are also members of an organic, biodynamic CSA for 20 weeks out of the year. Look in your area to support your local organic farmers! You can save money by shopping directly from the farmer.
In addition to organic, I also really care about where my food comes from. My priority is both local and organic. We don’t buy organic if it is from China or Mexico. I worry about if controls are actually happening there (is it really being grown organically) as well as the quality of the soil (lead and other heavy metals). So I’m pretty picky.
Quick Navigation
Local Organic Foods
Farmer’s Markets
Find your local farmer’s markets and start making the outing part of your weekly routine. There are many certified organic farmers selling amazing produce. You are cutting out the middle man by buying direct.
If there aren’t many certified organic farmers, talk to the farmers about what they use. I have found a few farmers who farm beyond organically but haven’t paid for the certification. Ask questions like:
– Do you spray? If they say no, ask what they do instead. If they say yes, I say thank you and keep looking.
– What happens if a pest or disease threatens your crop? What do you do? Some will tell you they will spray to save their crop. Some will say I lose the crop and that is part of farming. You want the second farmer!
Local CSA
Join a local, organic CSA program. They are weekly boxes that you either pick-up at the farm, a drop point, or sometimes that are delivered to your door.
I can’t say enough amazing things about our CSA. We pick up directly from the farm 20 weeks out of the year. It’s a highlight of our spring & summer.
Not only are we supporting a local farmer, but our food is also ultra-fresh. We also are trying things we normally wouldn’t buy while getting plenty of foods we would normally buy. My kids love our weekly outings to the farm.
Online Organic Food Delivery
When I’m not buying locally, these are the places online that I like buying from:
Thrive Market:
The first is Thrive Market. I decided to finally try Thrive a few years ago. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t know how much I would save. When I started my trial membership, I saved quite a bit of money. After the trial ends, there is an annual membership of $60/ year. I decided to pay for the annual membership and see if I saved at least $60. Within 6 months I had saved at least triple that amount. I’m able to find products significantly cheaper than I can in my local grocery store.
With two young kids, I’m also a big fan of having food delivered to my doorstep. Thrive has become my go-to favorite place to stock up on foods that I love! It’s like Costco for organic food delivery You pay a membership fee and get organic foods for less. If you spend more than $49, then shipping is free. It’s easy to stock up and get to $49.
Azure Standard:
The second store I love is Azure Standard. Azure Standard is a bit unique. You can have items shipped and you pay shipping (which is not cheap) OR you can find a drop point near you. A drop point is usually at someone’s house who has asked Azure to be a site coordinator. A semi-truck delivers food to the site coordinator’s house. You go to the coordinator’s house, find the boxes with your name on them, and pick them up. It’s as easy as that!
They have set delivery days so when you place your order you will know which day you will need to pick up. Again, similar to Thrive, Azure has cut out the middle man and passes savings on to you. Azure has a lot of bulk organic foods as well fresh fruits and vegetables at a great deal.
Misfits:
Misfits is an organic subscription box that sells “ugly and imperfect” produce at up to 40% off what you would pay at the grocery store. You have a choice of a smaller or larger box. Misfits is available in many states, but not all. Check their website to see if they deliver to you.
Currently, Misfits is offering 25% off of your first qualifying order using this referral code (referrals often change but are always available): COOKWME-RH1QFB
Imperfect Produce:
Imperfect Produce offers both conventional and organic produce that is “ugly”. This produce would be typically not sold in stores because of the way it looks. They are selling the produce for 30-50% less than you would typically find in stores.
When you join you can request an all organic fruits and vegetables box. If they have the supply they will fill your box. I would ask what happens if they don’t have all organic before you place your order (so you don’t end up with conventional produce by accident).
Happy organic shopping!
Posts Related to Organic Food
- Regenerative Farming
- Organic Clothing for Babies and Kids
- Sustainable Clothing for Adults
- Non-Toxic Kitchen
Pin it for later!
