Reply #96: The ideal is to grow everything yourself--100% organic of course!

[Bridget Burke]

The other extreme is buying only 100% processed food--at WalMart. Most of us compromise....

Living in Texas, I've heard about problems at Whole Foods for some time. There's also the hipper-than-thou atmosphere--look, the guy making sandwiches has grommets in his ears! Count the SUV's in the parking lot! No thanks.

Good old Kroger's is selling more organic & "natural" foods. And the chain is unionized--although unions aren't that strong in this "right to work" state.

I also shop at Fiesta--a local chain. And HEB's Central Market, when I feel rich. Spec's Liquor Warehouse (!) has a good specialty food selection; the BEST prices on imported pasta. (& the best prices & selection of wine, beer, etc.)

No food co-ops that I know of in Houston. I belonged to a produce co-op many years ago. As a single person, I couldn't always utilize 3 pounds of zucchini--because that was "in season." I do check out our local farmers' markets. But--how much artesanal lettuce can I use in a week?

Costco is a bit far out in suburbia. Trader Joe's has made it as far as New Mexico! I've shopped there in California & was impressed.

I do grow my own herbs, at least.