You have to wonder if organic food sales will feel the bite from the sluggish economy that’s been in the news lately. After all, organic foods can cost anywhere from 20 percent to 200 percent more than conventionally grown foods.

 

Yet firms like Stonyfield Farm, a leading organic yogurt maker, are still seeing growth—but slower growth in these challenging times. Stonyfield Farm expects to see an 18 percent revenue growth in 2008, which is up from 16 percent from 2007 but lower than 24 percent growth seen in other years.

 

During the past decade, overall sales of organic foods have grown 20 percent or more annually as consumers discover the benefits of eating natural and organic foods versus conventional foods. It helps that we have so many more places to shop for organic foods, like Whole Foods and Wild Oats. Even major grocery chains like Safeway, Vons, Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Albertsons are dedicating entire aisles to organic foods. Costco has added organic eggs, organic milk, fruit and vegetables, and wild-caught salmon and tuna.

 

If you’re having to do some belt-tightening in today’s slowing economy, I would urge you to still purchase and eat as many organic fruits, vegetables and meats as you can.

 

Here are several thoughts to keep in mind:

 

1. Yes, organic foods are more expensive, but the taste and quality is far superior and, as you would expect, much healthier for you and your family. Eating organic foods greatly reduces your exposure to chemicals and pesticides prevalent in conventionally produced food. You can also save money by purchasing organically grown produce in season at farmer’s markets and roadside stands, which is often cheaper than picking up your fruits and vegetables at the supermarket. (Be sure to ask if the fruits and vegetables are organic and pesticide-free.) During this harvest time, you’ll see organic apples and a variety of nuts available at good prices.

 

2. Eating organic food prepared at home is cheaper than taking the family to a fast-food stop like Burger King or “fast casual” restaurant like Panera Bread Co. It’s hard to get away for under $20 at a typical fast-food joint (for a family of four), and the tab is closer to $25 to $30 for two parents and two kids at a fast casual restaurant. Believe me, you could feed the family several scrumptious organic dinners, complete with grass-fed beef or wild-caught fish, for what it would cost to go out one evening at a quick-service restaurant. The family could dine an entire week on home-cooked organic food for the price of a sit-down meal at a well-appointed establishment with linen tablecloths, shiny silverware, and snooty waiters.

 

3. The grocery business is a competitive industry, so look for loss leaders, 2-for-1 coupons, and other promotional discounts that are offered to get you inside the store. Often times, the “private label” brands are considerable cheaper, too. Safeway was its O Organics private label, and Whole Foods has its 365 line of products, which are all high quality and provide excellent value.

 

4. Remember: you still get what you pay for, and you still are what you eat. If you have to, cut other out other areas of the family budget. It’s better to skip the organic ice cream but still shop for organic milk, yogurt, and meat.