The $5 Loaf of Bread: Will You Keep Buying Organic Foods?
With food prices on the rise, it seems nearly everyone is reconsidering their organic purchases. And of course it’s all over the media – in Newsweek and even in local newspapers like this one. That’s one reason why OrganicMania is tracking some of the few remaining “good deals” on organic foods every Friday, and why we’re even gathering tips like these from organic grocers themselves.
I’m not the only one who has resorted to buying the ingredients to bake bread, instead of shelling out $5 a loaf. Fact is, I’ve heard from several people who have started baking their own bread. And these are busy parents who have better things to do than to bake bread! If that’s not a sign that people are changing their buying patterns, what is?
But what about those items that you can’t simply replace with home made? Will you keep buying organic?
Most people who go organic do it out of health concerns for their children. Increasingly, women go organic during pregnancy. That’s not going to change. OrganicMania’s prediction is that USDA certified organic foods targeted at pregnant women and children will continue to sell well.
And of course, the main reasons – Organics’ Four Factors – haven’t changed. Buying organic is still the best bet for people concerned about avoiding chemical pesticides, protecting the environment and farm workers, animal rights and taste.
But with home values shrinking and gas and food prices up, for most folks, something has to give. And that something will include some organic foods. But as any parent knows, we’ll sacrifice something for ourselves before we deprive our kids. OrganicMania is betting that cut-backs in organic spending will not affect foods purchased for pregnant women and children. If anything, there’s more and more focus among women on going green and organic – which will offset any cutbacks on organic food spending for pregnant women and young children.
What do you think? Have your buying habits changed recently? Leave a comment and share!
— Lynn
Copyright 2008 OrganicMania
3 Responses to “The $5 Loaf of Bread: Will You Keep Buying Organic Foods?”
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My children will continue to get organic food. I see it as an investment in their long-term health and not subject to negotiation.
As for me, however, I have loosened up a bit as to what I am willing to eat. Sometimes the conventional strawberries are SO much less expensive that my conscience compels me to eat those. As for my husband, he would gladly eat Doritos or hot dogs every night for dinner, so he hasn’t made any changes!!
So my family fits the profile you describe to a T.
Great to know! Thanks for the comment, Kristen. I’m with you on the strawberries too…I do the same thing, even though they are in the “Dirty Dozen.” — Lynn
Honestly, I am just eating less (!) and trying to go veggie more often. I will continue to buy organic bz I think that we all waste a lot of food and if I can tighten up my food buying by meal planning more effectively and eating smaller portions, then the higher prices will be a wash.
Too funny…I thought maybe I was the only Mom on the “Eat Less so The Kid Can Eat Organic” diet. Maybe this diet will finally work!
— Lynn
My family will definetly continue to eat organic foods. I have always been careful about what my son eats. Now my husband will not eat a vegetable unless it comes from our garden or he knows the farmer who grew it. He has been this way since Tomatoes were making everyone sick. He even wants to buy chickens so we know where our eggs and poultry come from and because it will be cheaper in the long run.