Buying organic on a budget

There are ways to save money without sacrificing organic flavor

By: Karen McNew | WSLS
Published: March 26, 2009

Local Roots Café will be putting down roots of it's own for the first time this spring planting a garden behind the restaurant.

The restaurant is under new ownership and is hoping to expand more than out back. Co-owner and Executive Chef Josh Smith says they are also looking for land to purchase for raising livestock and farming.

Right now he says, "We are planting about 30 different kinds of vegetables herbs and from the community gardens we are already beginning to harvest."

The Roanoke Restaurant specializes in organic food. The garden makes it unique but also saves money.

Smith says, "The savings we are looking at... maybe it's only a couple of thousand dollars but of course that's a great savings."

One way to save money at home when you are buying organic is to get fruits and vegetables that are in season. Right now, spinach and some lettuces are definitely a good buy.

If you don't know what's in season, ask someone and buy in bulk when you can..

Roanoke Natural Foods Produce Buyer, Raymond Owen says an organic meal for two under ten dollars doesn't take much.

He says, "It's easy... to make a nice salad for two people.. a head of lettuce which is about three bucks...lemon which is about 60 to 75 cents...avocado which is two bucks a bunch of green onions which is a buck..."

Add some cherry tomatoes, a handful of sunflower seeds (bought in bulk is about 75 cents) then, throw in a sprinkle of sea salt.

Owen says, "You have a fresh completely raw, extremely healthy meal for two people under ten bucks. Completely organic."

And less expensive than some "value" meals.

Smith says, "When you look at the price of you know a burger at a fast food chain it's just as expensive. However it's your perception of what's expensive."

Both say you're dollars make better sense going toward organic foods, especially when they come from local farms. Buying local means more money in our economy and more flavor in your meal.

Link to Local Roots Cafe which is also planning to begin a corporate menu for local businesses

Link to Roanoke Natural Foods

Link to information about saving money when buying organic from WebMD