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While pundits and economists worry about Wall Street’s well-being, Americans worry about losing their jobs, paying their bills and the health of the planet. The capitalist marketplace promotes the exploitation of people and natural resources as cheap fixes. But you don’t have to abandon your values to save a buck. Welcome to the People’s Marketplace.

Going organic doesn’t have to mean going without because your budget only accommodates three pricey apples a week from Whole Foods. Farmer’s markets, hosting some certified organic farmers, are abundant these days. There are more than 100 certified farmer’s markets in Los Angeles county alone, held all days and times of the week. Here are a couple ways to turn farmer’s markets into bargain shopping.
For a real deal, ask growers if they have discounted “seconds” of their fruits and veggies, which are still fresh and delicious, but will have blemishes or bruises. These are perfect for making stew, soup stock, and jam or jelly. Also, prices differ according to the grower and market, so shop around.

Another way to cut costs at the farmer’s market is to join a Community Supported Agriculture – or CSA program — with a farmer. With CSA programs, you make a commitment to a farmer, and they lower their prices. Some farmer’s structure their CSA’s with a membership and discount model. You pay a yearly membership fee and then whenever you buy some of their product, like delicious and fresh hormone free meat, you get a discounted price. Other CSA’s cut your costs because you buy a pre-packed box of their seasonal produce. You have less choice, but you get the whole box for much less than the cost of each item in it. For a nationwide listing of CSA programs go online to www.localharvest.org/csa.

If you are in LA, try out the South Central Farmer’s CSA program. One of their boxes gets you all the certified organic produce you’ll need for the next week or two. Through their website www.southcentralfarmers.com, you can order boxes one at a time, or become a longer-term subscriber. They accept payment on a sliding scale – 15 to $25 a box. When you can afford it, pay $40 for your box and you buy a second one for a community member in need.

If money is really tight put the organic purchases on hold and check-out the Environmental Working Groups 2010 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides. Find it at www.foodnews.org, or click on the link from their website, www.ewg.org. The list is made so consumers can shop smart when buying conventional produce by choosing from their “Clean Fifteen” and avoiding the “Dirty Dozen”. You can also try to replace only some of your favorite foods with organic options. High levels of pesticides are found year after year in the most often consumed fruit and produce, including conventional celery, spinach, and potatoes. Pick a couple things and make the switch, and then integrate more organic items whenever possible.

So start cultivating a healthy food habit. There are few better ways to put your money where your mouth is. Together, we can take back the economy.