| Are you sold on the benefits of organic baby | | | | make organic baby food. A little food goes a long |
| food, but wondering how you can afford to serve | | | | way when you make and store it. |
| it? Do the rising costs of organic produce make | | | | To minimize waste, find a healthy-minded friend, |
| you want to run to the canned food aisle? | | | | agree to purchase certain items and trade the |
| Before you forgo the extra nutrition in organic | | | | excess. You will save money and be able to |
| foods, here are some suggestions to help you get | | | | provide more variety in your baby's meals. |
| more for your money. | | | | If you buy jarred organic baby food, get it in bulk |
| 1. Make your own. | | | | online and trade flavors with your friends. |
| One of the easiest ways to save money on | | | | 4. Visit a Farmer's Market. |
| organic baby food is to prepare it yourself. It | | | | If your town has a local farmer's market, |
| requires about an hour of planning and preparation | | | | compare the prices to that of your favorite |
| each week and even less time once you get into | | | | grocery store. You may find savings of up to |
| a groove. | | | | 40% at the market, so take friends and some |
| All you need is a blender or food processor, one | | | | cash and enjoy the time shopping outdoors. |
| or two ice trays, cling wrap, fresh produce and | | | | Look for the certified organic label on the |
| some baby food recipes. Naturally mushy foods | | | | produce, but know that some small farmers may |
| like bananas and avocados require only seconds | | | | not be certified because of the expense involved. |
| of food prep time. | | | | If in doubt ask how and where the produce is |
| 2. Shop around for deals. | | | | grown. Foods grown locally and in season are the |
| Whether you are making it yourself or buying | | | | least expensive. Finally, request a sample. Organic |
| prepared baby food, now is not the time to be | | | | foods will have a more flavorful and vibrant taste. |
| loyal to your favorite grocer or brand. Look for | | | | 5. Start an organic garden. |
| weekly specials in mailers, in the coupon section | | | | Going local is cheaper. Imagine how much money |
| of the newspaper or online. | | | | you would save if tomatoes, herbs, berries and |
| Some of the top brands of organic baby food will | | | | peaches grew in your own backyard. Of course |
| offer coupons on their websites. If you don't see | | | | this will require time and energy before you |
| any, email the company. Stock up when the price | | | | experience a payoff. |
| is good, and go to the competitor when the price | | | | However, if the cost of transporting fruits and |
| is unreasonable. | | | | vegetables continues to rise, you may have |
| 3. Swap organic foods with a friend. | | | | neighbors knocking on your door making offers |
| How often have you purchased an entire bag of | | | | for a bucket of blueberries. |
| organic fruit only to have them rot before they | | | | If you're willing to alter your shopping routine, you |
| are eaten? Most organic produce is packaged in | | | | can experience significant savings on organic baby |
| bulk, not giving you the opportunity to buy one or | | | | food and produce. Who knows, you may tap into |
| two pieces. | | | | a resource that makes eating organic affordable |
| You don't need a large quantity of produce to | | | | for the entire family. |