CSAs aren't cheaper than buying fruits and veggies at the store, but the value is often great because of the amount you get for the money you spend. Plus it's local (without the long distance cost of shipping, plus it supports local businesses and jobs. And, on top of that, it introduces produce that you might not have otherwise tried. So, you learn new ways to cook what you receive. You're likely to get more than enough produce to cover your needs.

Our CSA was 22 weeks of the year for $550ish.

@sara, anon & les – I'm concerned that I won't eat all of the produce that comes from a CSA. Do you find food going to waste? My husband is not a big fruit and veggie eater so I'm worried that it'll cost less to buy, but that I'll find most of it going to waste. What has your experience been?

@BeeARawFoodie – I absolutely love the idea of thinking about green food as a luxury. I never thought about it that way, but it does put a completely different spin on it.

I started a box garden last year and had quite a bit of success. Right now garlic is growing in it. I plan to add another two boxes this year and expand on the varieties of vegetables we grow.

I find that fresh food is cheaper when it's local, so clemintines that come from Spain are more expensive than cabbage that was grown the town over. This I found was true even in the summer. So – try to find local foods. I know it's winter and that might be hard, but there are quite a few things in season now.

And I just signed up for a CSA for next summer, like the other comments suggest, you might want to look into that. I am expecting to get way too much food and having to preserve it for next winter.

And instead of thinking 'gee these fruits veg used to be so cheap' think of what you would pay for a luxury meal, or really nice cut of steak. When you do the mental flip and see your organics as LUXURY items, its astounding how you treat yourself better as a result. Compare $ per pound. Bring out the nice dishes and eco friendly cloth napkins! You're Worth It!! Treat your meals like you are a king and queen instead of a peasant accepting of just the cheap stuff. Its a paradigm shift, but you can't go wrong with organics.

You could also try growing a few things once it warms up.

Finally Whole Foods may have okay prices when you're only looking at organic.

It's not cheaper than weekly sales at the store, but local + usually organic= greener.