Where to find organic food

1) At your local supermarket. Many conventional supermarkets carry some certified organic produce and packaged foods. BE SURE TO READ THE LABELS CAREFULLY, MANY PACKAGERS USE NATURAL AND ORGANIC RATHER LIBERALLY. Check that the food is locally grown whenever possible or CERTIFIED ORGANIC. If your market doesn't carry organic foods, request them! Supermarket management is receptive to customer demand. the greater the demand, the more likely that you'll eventually see organic foods in your market.

2) At natural food stores. Most natural food stores offer a wide variety of organic foods. And, natural foods stores are becoming more popular: Their number grew by almost 30 percent in just the last eight years. Look for smaller, independent, locally owned stores, which often buy organic produce directly from local farms. Look in your phone book under "Health and Diet Food Products--Retail," "Natural Foods," or "Grocers-Retail." Largeer chaines that may be in your area include Whole Foods, Bread and Circus, Wild Oats, Alfalfa's and Fresh Fields.

3) At farmer's markets. Most metropolitan areas and even small towns host one or more markets where farmers sell their products directly to the public. There are more than 2,400 farmers' markets across the country, according to the USDA. The majority feature organic and conventional produce that is grown locally. Farmers' markets connect us directly with local farmers and how our food is grown. Most chambers of commerce or State Departments of Agriculture have lists of markets in the area. You can also obtain a directory from the USDA (see Resources). If you do not see any certified organic signs, find the market coordinator and ask that at least one organic farmer be represented there.

4) At food cooperatives. Food co-ops or buying clubs, allow consumers to purchase food in bulk directly from farmers and other suppliers, usually at wholesale prices. Some co-ops occupy a permanent site, such as a storefront or garage; others use a temporary site, such as a church basement, for a few hours a week while memeber divvy up a delivery of food. To locate a co-op near you, look in your phone book under "Natural Food stores" or "Buying Clubs." You can also contact hte Co-op Alliance or the Co-op Directory Service.

5) Through Community Supported Agriculture projects. In a typical CSA, community members purchase a share in a local farm's operation at the start of each growing season. CSA members usually provide their payment up front to assist growers with production costs and, in return, receive a box of freshly grown produce directly from their grower every week during harvest, usually June through November. CSAs benefit famers by guaranteeing them a direct market for their produce, and give consumers a chance to know the farmers and the land where their food is grown. you can choose a CSA farmre who grows food organically or with minimal pesticide use. The cost is often significantlylower than organic foods at the supermarket. To contact a CSA in your area, contact the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association or Just Food.