I have radically overhauled how I shop compared to a few years ago. One of the ‘big 2’ supermarkets in Australia used to get all of my business and now I nolonger put all my eggs in one basket! Having said that, there have been times when I simply did not have the time or energy to shop around.
After attending a speaking event by Libby Weaver in Melborne last year and reading her book “Exhausted to Energised” I really believe we need to get back to basics, teach our kids to cook, grow at least some veggies (even if it herbs) and eat simple food that does not come from a box.
After watching and reading about the study on a family eating organic produce in Sweden, I was amazed to see the traces of pesticides in their body diminish after only 2 weeks. I now place more of an emphasis of buying organic where I can.
Stocking a wholefoods pantry can be a challenge. Read this guide from Well Nourished to help set yourself up.
I source a mix of things locally and online. As I live in Ballarat some of the recommendation are for places I can support locally.
Fruit and Veggies
I always try to buy fresh.
The Food Garden in Castlemaine Victoria deliver fruit and veggie boxes to Ballarat on a Friday along with many other things. Their produce is always good quality and I love the convenience of it being delivered to my door. Graham is always a pleasure to deal with and their boxes ARE affordable. Just rememeber all fruit and veg is better than no fruit and veg but organic is better. They also sell pantry items that are carefully packaged in paper reducing the unnecessary plastic packaging.
Aussie Farmers direct also deliver organic fruit and veg.
Spring Creek Organics are at markets in Ballarat and melbourne. They also have a farm shop which works on an honesty system.
Organic Angels deliver to Ballarat on a Tuesday. I have not used them yet but their prices look good and they have a range of other things you might find useful for your pantry too
Buninyong Blueberry farm have spray free blueberries for picking and farm gate sales every January. Fun day out for the family. Check out their website.
Meat
Brooklands free Range farm at Blampied have just delicious meat and bacon free of nitrates too. They are at many farmers markets. I have been known to drive out to their property and fill up my freezer. Jono and Nat are lovely
Millbrook Free Range I recently ordered half a pig! yep I filled my mum’s freezer and mine with different pork cuts that are absolutley delicious. Everyone in the family has been raving how delicious it is.
Salt Kitchen smalls good and Charcuterie. Beautiful ham and lots of other hand made goods that can be ourchased locally at Wilson’s Fruit and Veg, and other stores across victoria. Preservative free sausages are always a bif hit especially the wagyu and rosemary. They also do Christmas hams! Check out a stockist near you.
Simply Free Range offer home delivery. I have had a friend who uses them and recommends them.
Braelands Grass fed beef and lamb from Myrniong deliver to Ballarat
Pantry Goods
Feeding a family can be quite a challenge these days and a well stocked pantry makes the world of difference. There are many things I buy in bulk, like nuts, coconut, oats, rice, cacao, lentils, organic dried fruit.
The wholefood Collective* is a bulk wholefoods shopping site with flat rate postage Australia wide. I find their prices are great and delivery is quick.
The Source wholefoods I wish we had one of these locally!
Of the 2 Big supermarkets, I prefer woolworths that has a better selection of wholefoods.
However I absolutely LOVE our local IGA supermarkets in Ballarat. A great selection. Local sourdough bread from basilio, Free range pastured eggs from Millbrook, Inglenook dairy milk and so much more!
Bathroom
Now you might think it odd that I have added this category but I have learnt to consider everything I buy and try to continaully make the best choice when things run out.
Who Gives a Crap sell, toilet paper free made of recycled paper or sustainable bamboo. They also sell tissues and kitchen towel. They donate half their profits to overseas water aid which I also think is great. To receive $10 off you first order click here There are no synthetic fragrances on their products either which I think is important. Perfect for home or Office. Interesting talking point too!
Cleaning. I love Thieves Household cleaner. Plant based, biodegradeable, septic safe. If something smells chemically it usually is. One of the best things you can do for you and your family is the go low tox on your cleaning! I have written about it before and you can read about that here
Washing Dishes
For my dishwasher and washing up I currently use Ecostore. A low tox option that works. Sometimes knowing what to buy is really hard. I recently listened to a podcast by Alexx Stuart- Low Tox Life, who interviewed the founder of Ecostore products which I have found readily available in supermarkets in Ballarat and are available Australia wide.
Linen
Bhumi organic cotton store makes certified organic, fair trade sheets, towels, underwear, yoga and active wear. Click here for $20 off your first order
Sheets on the Line have stores in Brisbane, Melbourne and retail online. They often have some great sales and I have picked up some excellent quality organic King Single sheets sets for my kids here.
Buying in bulk will definitely save you money. It does require some foreward planning and organisation. Everyone time your purchase you vote with your dollar! Support the
Belinda
Belinda Forsyth 