Converted But Still Frugal

Welcome to "The Budget Organic." I'm a mom of four who recently converted to "Organicism." Within the past year I've truly become horrified to discover what is happening in America's food system.

BUT before that, I'll be honest, I was your typical citizen. I would hear the horrors of processed foods and think, critically, "I would never feed my children bologna" (pat on the back). Little did I know that today, when we hear "processed" that could mean bread, oatmeal, yogurt, cheese - you name it, it's processed! I'm ashamed to admit it, but I actually thought "organic" was a conspiracy to charge more money for the same fruits and veggies I was already buying (sad, I know).

So flash forward to today, where although I want to feed my children the healthiest, least toxic foods, I'm still a bargain shopper that finds it very hard to justify paying twice the price for organic. I make choices, some of them probably not the same ones you might make, but it does take extra money to eat healthy, especially for a family of six!

This blog is about trying to "Go Organic" on a budget. I'll post coupons, post outlet stores that are selling organic items, and just rant about the complexities of what should be fairly easy - eating healthy, chemical free food (most of the time)! And I'll be honest - even when I slip and let the kids eat (gulp!) McDonald's!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Zoo

So today we headed to the zoo.  What, you may ask, does the zoo have to do with eating organic?  Well, if your family is anything like ours, any outing, especially a day trip, includes FOOD!  In my pre-converted days, we'd stop for fast food or grab something at the zoo.  And please don't get me wrong - we still do this kind of stuff once in while.  Yes, it's easy to judge and say, "I'd never let my child eat that garbage" but sometimes I just don't have the energy to deal.  Please don't report me to the authorities...

Suprisingly, I actually thought ahead of time today and packed a lunch.  Peanut butter and jelly, cheese sticks, and snack packs of Pirate's Booty.  Just normal, everyday food.  I wish my kids would eat some of those cool lunch ideas I see on other sites - like hummus dip with carrot sticks, but alas, my kids are more the Lunchable/nugget types if allowed...

If you're a member, be sure to check out Costco's coupon mailer this month.  Inside is a coupon ($2.50 off) a 36 pack of Annie's Snacks.  I think the box cost about $11.00.  Great for school lunches!  Other great items at Costco - Kirkland (the store brand) of Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Bread and Organic milk (1%).  They recently began stocking organic chicken (breasts, thighs and whole chicken) and ground meat at reasonable prices!!  They also sell Stonyfield Farms yogurts, Disney Organic Animal Crackers, Honest Kids juice pouches and more!
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownAugust 22, 2010 at 6:08 PM

    I love this idea Almost organic Mom! More people need to know that eating this way doesn't have to be all or nothing . And trying to live organically is doable even on a tight budget!

    Cant wait to follow your journey with ya !

    1sharpcutter

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