Feeding kids organic food doesn’t have to bust the budget
19 May 2009While households across Australia continue to take a hit from the current economic slowdown the popularity of organic food is continuing to rise.
According to Scott Butler, founder of Melbourne’s leading organic home delivery service, Organic Angels, busy mums and dads aware of the benefits of feeding children organic food are proving that organics can be done on a budget.
“Parents are telling us that a commitment to organic food requires the acceptance of a slightly higher food bill but that the peace of mind that comes with healthy eating outweighs the additional costs,” Scott said.
While many households continue to tighten their belts, Scott said there are ways to feed a family organic food by making simple changes to lifestyles and household expenditures.
Among his suggestions for doing organics on a budget are:
1) Accept that organic food costs are higher but the benefits of feeding children toxin-free food has long-term benefits.
2) Reduce junk food and take-away.
3) Eat out less.
4) Enjoy the experience of eating out. You can free-up extra dollars by preparing more meals at home and dining al fresco in parks, beaches etc.
5) Buy organic food in bulk from a box scheme ensuring that you get good quality produce that is in season.
6) Cook and freeze any excess for future use.
7) Produce at its peak and in season always costs less.
Andre Leu, chair of the Organic Federation of Australia said there are a number of good scientific studies which show that organic food is healthier for children and adults.
“One of the most recent studies out of the Washington State University compared 11 key nutrients and found that organic food, on average, had 25 per cent higher concentrations of nutrients.” Andre said.
Given that fruit and vegetables are usually the first foods introduced to baby, using organic fruit and vegetables is the best way to avoid pesticide residues.
Another reason to buy fruit and vegetables that are organically grown is the higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients present when compared to non-organically grown produce.
Husband and wife team, Scott and Sarah Butler started Organic Angels in 2006 after failing to find an organic home delivery service that met their expectations in terms of great customer service and good quality produce.
The couple became advocates of organic food after their son, Charlie, started eating solids and they became more aware of what they were really feeding him.
“After reading into the many benefits of eating organic and reading the statistics on the high amount of pesticides and artificial hormones in food today, we slowly made the conversion to organic,” Scott said.
The business now provides organic fruit and vegetables to homes and offices across Melbourne after they visit the organic market and handpicking the produce on the mornings of the delivery days.
Scott and Sarah buy Australian-only produce and, where possible, from Victoria to reduce the road miles of the food.
They also provide organic groceries, including fresh bread, eggs, fair-trade tea and coffee and healthy children’s snacks.
Visit www.organicangels.com.au for more information.
