Local Farmers markets provide fresh produce and several organic crops that can be delivered directly to your home.

Most local super markets now offer large sections of “organic” food usually in the fresh produce departments. Even Safeway has found success in its Organic brands of several traditional foods that now can be found in most sections of the food ales.

To be classified “Organic”, foods are grown or raised (meat and dairy) in an environment free from anything artificial including chemical fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, drugs, antibiotics and hormones. Organic food is produced in a manner that helps retain powerful nutritive value and avoids unnecessary exposure to potential toxins.

One of the easiest ways to purchase organic food is locally from farmer’s markets, family farms and food co-ops, many of which use organic production methods. One of the longest and most successful is held in the Sunrise Mall south parking lot every Saturday morning. If you like the idea of consuming an apple grown down the street, picked at the peak of its ripeness without post-harvest pesticides, and that didn’t travel thousands of miles from another country (which may or may not have appropriate pesticide regulations), then a farmer’s market, farm or co-op is an excellent resource.

Home delivery is another great source of organic foods that has been developed near here in the Capay Valley. Farm Fresh to You farms have a unique program of home delivery through out the Sacramento area. These flexible plans bring fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to your home or business as frequently as you want in prices that meet most household budgets.

There is probably no better way to gain access to the healthy organic foods your body craves most than by growing them yourself. More and more people are getting on the home-gardening bandwagon as food, fuel and energy costs continue to rise. Home gardening, especially organic gardening, can be a great help in avoiding the consumption of manufactured foods and offset some of the cost concerns with organic produce. The City of Citrus Heights has begun a large community co-op gardening program just this year at the corner of Sylvan & Stock Ranch Road.

To learn more about the health benefits of organic foods, visit the Organic Consumers Association Web site.