I certainly understand what having a frugal amount of the budget for food. We live on just over $25K for 3 of us for the year and we've been trying to help our daughter, son in law and grandbaby out on top of that, as son in law's hours have been drastically reduced. I make everything or grow everything I possibly can from scratch to stretch the food budget. I guess after being educated on what is on the non-organic fruits and veggies, I just try to make healthier choices. Sometimes the organic is on sale, and if I have to purchase veggies or fruit at the store I only shop the sales.
Having been a recipient of food bank food at times, the quality of their food is a joke, for most of them, heavily laden with sugary items. A few years ago when my hubby was unable to work, I was offered 3 cakes, 2 pies, and other packaged foods that had sugar listed as the first ingredient. I graciously turned them down on their "kind" offer of sugar. LOL
Last week, I was pleasantly surprised to see the food bank I took my dd to acutally had fresh fruit and veggies as many simply don't even carry any fresh foods. I understand many local farmers donate their food at the end of the growing season, so if that's the case, it's a good source.
If you have to purchase non-organic, make sure you wash it off really good. I use this homemade wash to get rid of pesticides, dirt or bug remnants.
http://www.livingonadime.com/fruit-vegetable-wash/Here's a list if anyone is interested on what dozen food items to avoid if they cannot purchase them organic:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/eco-nomics/ ... d-veggies/I hope this has been informative and certainly do not wish to make anyone feel badly if they are not in a positioin to purchase organic fruits and veggies.