Eating Local On a Budget

Anyone who know's our family know's that we live on a tight budget. And that it is a top priority for us to be good stewards of our finances. Honestly, this was our first concern when deciding to eat completely locally for the month of July. After doing some research we decided that it was possible. And now that we have been on this venture for about three weeks I am realizing that we are actually SAVING money. There are so many temptations at the grocery store (especially when shopping with toddlers). And over-processed, overly packaged items cost more money. So we are thrilled that one of the added benefits of eating local has been easier on the wallet. Here are some great tips from Jennifer Miaser, Editor of the Eat Local Challenge site:

Serious Eats, this week, posted a great article about how to eat locally and sustainably on a budget. While we know from last year's Pennywise challenge that eating locally on a budget is possible, it's also easy to watch the food bills pile up when you're concerned with finding sustainable products for your family's dinner table.
Among the suggestions in the SE article, I especially like the suggestions to cut back on meat consumption, and to buy in season. In season eating offers the best value for local produce, and if you put up or preserve foods while they are in season you can have a version of them throughout the year. In addition to the Serious Eats advice, I would also suggest the following:
1) Subscribe to a CSA. CSA boxes from local farms typically offer a good value for in-season, fresh produce.
2) Get to know your farmers. You're more likely to find out about good deals on your food, and to learn what foods offer the best value that week. Just start by saying hi, asking them about their week, and asking them about the produce. Soon, many will be keeping an eye out for special deals for you.
3) Be smart about your meat purchases. Consider a cow share or meat CSA if it's available in your area (or start your own!). Choose whole chickens over boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Learn to work with odd meat cuts so that you can maximize your dollar when possible.
Jennifer Maiser is the editor of the Eat Local Challenge website. She is often found behind a camera or writing for her site, Life Begins at 30.