Moms Talk: The Big O

Growth hormones in cows, pesticides and other health concerns are making several families turn toward organic foods. However, these foods are often more expensive, putting strain on the family budget. 

Do you think organic foods are healthier for your family? Do you buy all organic, some, or none? Why or why not? If you do buy organic, how does it fit in the family budget?

Jenny Wescoat
I do not stress over buying organic or not buying organic. We end up with some organic foods because a lot of Costco's stuff is organic and we stock up there often. I do buy milk without growth hormones (that's what they stock at Costco).  I just can't seem to get with the program on organic foods. I buy them sometimes, but I'm not a die-hard. Some of it is funny to me, because with organic food being more expensive, it can seem like kind of a status symbol. 

For instance, sometimes I can't help making an assumption about a stranger when I see a mom pull a box of organic raisins out of her diaper bag.  That said, I do look around and think some strange things are happening with our food. Nobody seems to know why allergies are so prevalent or why girls are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages. So, I try to keep it balanced. I try to fix as little processed food for dinner as possible and hope that the variety and quantity of fruits and veggies I offer my kids is more important than whether every bite is organic.

Jennifer AuBuchon
Had you asked this question to me a month ago, my answer would've been totally different than what I will say now.  That is about the time that I watched a very impacting documentary called Food Inc. I, like Jenny, had my thoughts about organic foods and early puberty, etc.  This movie really clarified a lot of things for me.  More than anything, it points out how little we know about where our food comes from and how it's processed.  

I'm not going to sit here and write about the many things I learned; however, I will tell you that it's caused me to make a conscious effort to buy local and to buy organic whenever possible.  I'm not going to become a freak about it or some kind of food police, but whenever I can, I'm making different choices.  I personally am looking for grass-fed beef and free range chicken.  I've been frequenting the Imperial Farmer's Market for local produce more often, and I'm trying to stay away from processed foods to a greater degree.  

Will we be able to totally do that? No way!  It is less convenient, more expensive, etc.  But my husband is behind me in regards to the added cost.  He'd rather pay for better quality and I appreciate that.  I tried going organic on our milk, but he and my son didn't like it.  There's going to be a variety of ways that it won't work in our family, but we're definitely trying to consume less meat, better quality meat and local produce as much as possible.  I do encourage you to watch Food Inc. While you're at it, check out Food Matters and Supersize Me. 

Lisa May
I honestly do not seek out organic products for my family. I do think they can be healthier. However, I cook about 95 percent of our meals at home (most from scratch). So, I feel they are not getting as much processed food and high fat, sodium meals as if we ate out more. The main reason for not purchasing organic is the price.

With a family of five and one income, we struggle to provide healthy low-cost meals for the family (plus snacks and drinks). I think if you have a good balance of foods throughout the week, you can provide a healthy lifestyle without busting your budget on organic. I understand that not all organic is super expensive, but each family needs to decide what they can afford to purchase for their home.

Samantha Goswami
Like Lisa, I do not seek out any organic products for my family. Most of my food is cooked with fresh vegetables and we try and eat balanced meals, less oils and fats, less red meat. We do buy organic milk and if we shop at Traders Joe's, we will buy organic fruit. 
 
I would like to learn more about why organic is better in the long run. Price aside, I think our bodies should be able to handle any kind of food and in any part of the world. Does eating organic lower our immunity? Our ancestors ate healthy, not necessarily organic and they lived long and healthy lives.