Frugal Friends Podcast: How to Save Money on Organic Groceries

Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni
Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the challenges and strategies of saving money on organic groceries. Recognizing the rising costs associated with organic produce, Jen and Jill present a comprehensive four-step framework designed to help listeners prioritize organic purchases without breaking the bank.

Four-Step Approach to Saving on Organic Groceries

The hosts introduce a four-step to savings method: How to Get It for Free, Low Cost, a Deal, and Buy It Guilt-Free. Each step offers practical tips and actionable advice to optimize organic grocery spending.

1. Get It for Free

Jen and Jill explore unconventional methods to obtain organic produce without any financial expenditure.

• Foraging and Dumpster Diving:
  Jen: “[07:11] Host 1: And this one's wild. Be careful.”
  They discuss the possibilities of foraging in public areas and responsible dumpster diving, emphasizing safety and legality. Websites like FallingFruit.com are recommended as resources for urban foragers.

• Food Swaps with Neighbors:
  Jill: “[08:40] Host 2: Yeah. And then you're not always gonna be guaranteed organic foods.”
  Establishing food swap groups within communities or using platforms like Facebook to exchange surplus organic produce can significantly reduce costs.

• Volunteering at Community Gardens or Farms:
  By contributing time to maintain gardens or participate in work-share programs, listeners can earn fresh organic produce in return.

• Community Fridges:
  Utilizing community fridges through platforms like FreeFridge or Little Free Pantry can provide access to donated organic foods, though availability may vary.

2. Get It Low Cost

For those looking to minimize expenses, Jen and Jill offer several strategies to acquire organic groceries at reduced prices.

• Shopping Farmers Markets Towards Closing Time:
  Jen: “[11:43] Host 1: Moving on to our next category of how can I get organic groceries at low cost.”
  Vendors often discount leftover organic produce at the end of the day, allowing shoppers to snag deals on fruits and vegetables that are still fresh.

• Splitting CSA Boxes:
  Jill: “[13:10] Host 2: And this is something that could be found.”
  Sharing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes with friends or family can cut costs by up to 50%, making bulk purchases more affordable.

• Buying Near Expiration Goods:
  Purchasing organic items nearing their expiration can lead to significant savings. Apps like Flash Food and Too Good To Go facilitate finding such deals by connecting consumers with stores offering discounted organic products.

3. Get a Deal

Maximizing discounts and taking advantage of sales can make organic groceries more accessible.

• Seconds and Ugly Produce:
  Jill: “[20:10] Host 2: Or you can check out Misfits Market.”
  Buying misshapen or “ugly” organic produce can offer substantial savings without compromising on quality.

• Freezing Bulk Purchases:
  Pre-portioning and freezing organic items like berries or vegetables helps in buying in bulk, thus reducing the overall cost per unit.

4. Buy It Guilt-Free

When it’s unavoidable to pay full price, Jen and Jill advocate for mindful purchasing aligned with one’s values.

• Supporting Local and Sustainable Grocery Stores:
  Jen: “[24:15] Host 1: Yeah.”
  Purchasing from local farms and co-ops not only supports sustainable practices but also often ensures higher quality organic produce.

• Certified Organic and Ethical Brands:
  Ensuring that brands maintain their ethical standards prevents “greenwashing” and guarantees that purchases contribute positively to environmental and social causes.

Listener Story: Alyssa's Savings Success

A heartwarming story from listener Alyssa underscores the importance of diligent expense tracking.

• Alyssa: “[30:03] Listener: Hi Jen and Jill. My name is Alyssa and I'm calling to let you know that I'm super grateful that you guys suggested doing the 90 day transaction inventory in your mini budget series.”

  By conducting a 90-day transaction inventory, Alyssa discovered a duplicate subscription that had been costing her approximately $700 over several years. This revelation not only freed up her finances but also highlighted the podcast’s practical impact.

• Jill: “[31:33] Host 2: And our jaws dropped and both of us in our shoulders tensed up.”
  Jen and Jill express their astonishment and relief, reinforcing the value of meticulous financial oversight.

Lightning Round

The hosts engage in a fun and rapid-fire segment, answering questions about personal organic purchasing habits and favorite Costco items. This lighthearted exchange provides relatable insights and reinforces the podcast's approachable tone.

• Jen: “[37:04] Alyssa: How.” (Note: Likely a transcription error; context suggests a quick response.)

• Jill: “[39:03] Host 2: I don't ever.”
  Jill candidly shares her budgeting challenges with organic purchases, resonating with listeners who face similar dilemmas.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Jen and Jill encourage listeners to take proactive steps in managing their organic grocery expenses. They emphasize the importance of aligning spending with personal values and invite audiences to explore their YouTube channel for additional resources and real-life spending interventions.

• Jen: “[27:55] Host 1: Yeah, there's also the option of if this is something that's really important to you...”
  The hosts seamlessly transition into promoting their book, "Buy What You Love Without Going Broke," which offers deeper insights and actionable strategies for financial well-being.

• Jill: “[32:48] Host 2: Thank you for the problem, Alyssa.”
  The episode wraps up with gratitude towards the listener and a strong encouragement to engage with the podcast’s broader content offerings.

Key Takeaways

• Foraging and Community Engagement: Leveraging local resources and community initiatives can provide free or low-cost organic produce.

• Strategic Shopping: Timing purchases towards the end of market hours and utilizing discount apps can lead to significant savings.

• Mindful Spending: Prioritizing organic purchases based on personal values ensures that financial decisions align with health and environmental goals.

• Financial Vigilance: Regularly reviewing transactions can uncover hidden expenses, promoting better financial health.

Notable Quotes

• “[07:11] Host 1: And this one's wild. Be careful.”
  Jen discusses the adventurous aspects of foraging and dumpster diving for organic produce.

• “[12:20] Host 2: And this will happen at any farm that's only open on the weekends too.”
  Jill highlights the benefits of shopping at weekend-only farms for discounted organic produce.

• “[30:03] Listener: Hi Jen and Jill. My name is Alyssa and I'm calling to let you know that I'm super grateful...”
  Alyssa shares her success story, emphasizing the podcast’s practical impact on listeners’ financial habits.

• “[37:04] Alyssa: How.”
  (Contextual note: Likely a transcription error; intended to capture a segment of the Lightning Round.)

Final Thoughts

Frugal Friends Podcast continues to empower listeners with actionable strategies to manage their finances without compromising on quality or values. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to integrate organic living into their budget-conscious lifestyle.

For more insights and tips, visit Frugal Friends Podcast and subscribe to their YouTube channel for additional content.