Right there, next to the fresh peaches, a group of shiny red apples are neatly arranged in the produce section of a typical supermarket. This group of apples is different than the others — perhaps not on the outside, but according to the label above it, they are quite unique. Unlike the slightly darker and bruised apples to the right, these apples are labeled “organic.”

Some large grocery store chains, like County Market, Schnucks and Wal-Mart, offer organic selections among their wider variety of foods grown using synthetic chemicals. Michelle Wander, director of the Agroecology and Sustainability Agriculture Program at the University, said some organic foods enthusiasts steer clear of these large supermarket organics and prefer more locally produced goods.

Organic products that are locally produced can be found in a variety of stores and farms around campus. Some residents prefer to spend an extra penny on the food they believe is safer, more environmentally friendly and healthier, Wander said.

“I think a lot of people who are interested in healthy food want to also know where it was grown,” she said.

What does it mean to be organic? Organic products are generally food items grown in environmentally safe conditions and without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, Wander said. To be officially (and legally) considered organic, the food items must be certified according to federal legislation guidelines. The certification process is a very detailed one, she said. Among the requirements is the completion of a number of documents and the adherence to environmental codes. But this doesn’t stop some manufacturers from labeling their products organic when they haven’t been certified, Wander added.

A variety of stores on campus offer the real thing. These stores vary in size and price range and tend to serve an array of interested clients, including students.

Natural Gourmet

Gaylene Amorasak, co-owner of Natural Gourmet in Champaign, has been running the small health food store, 2225 South Neil St., for 12 years.

The store offers a variety of organic herbs, nuts, gluten-free products and organic bulk goods. The building is small on the outside, but has a lot of things packed into it, Amorasak said.

Small organic stores are great starting points for people who are new to organic shopping, Amorasak added. These people tend to come into Gourmet quite often.

“They ask a lot of questions, and particularly in a small store it’s good because we have the time to tell them things,” Amorasak said. Workers in larger stores may not know every product in the store as well, she said.

Many people are willing to pay a higher price for organic items because they are more concerned for their health and the environment, Amorasak said. She suggests that money-saving students who are not as willing to pay as much look for the occasional sale at their local stores.

“Grab it while it’s on sale,” she said.

Strawberry Fields

One organic grocer that offers monthly sale items is Strawberry Fields, located at 306 W Springfield Ave. in Downtown Urbana. The store offers a number of organic items in addition to other products and services. An on-site nutritionist is available every Monday from 3-5 p.m. to answer health questions and give product advice. There is also a health cafe with sandwiches, fruit and soy drinks.

Fields is a one-stop shop for organic food lovers. Options include a variety of produce, bakery goods, frozen foods and beauty supplements.

Common Ground Food Co-op

Students can also find deals at the Common Ground Food Co-op in Urbana’s Lincoln Square Village. Wander said the Co-op often lowers prices because of its student volunteers who help with the expensive work.

“They get a lot of student volunteers,” Wander said. “The students who help stock and get involved there find it to be a great experience in many ways.”

In addition to the locally produced organic food options, the Co-op offers classes and workshops.

One workshop, Eating Healthy on a Budget, provides tours of the store that highlight products that members can buy without emptying their wallets.

Class members also learn recipes that incorporate money-saving food items.

Shoppers can also receive additional benefits and savings by registering as a Co-op member.

Bigger supermarket chains

Students like Alex Slade, a graduate student, are less interested in local grocery stores that only sell organic and health food.

Slade said he would rather make the occasional visit to the organic section of a larger supermarket.

“I do most of my shopping at the supermarket and there is usually an organic section,” he said. “I don’t go to organic stores.”

Slade wouldn’t mind buying an inorganic item if it were cheaper, he said.

Larger grocery stores like Wal-Mart and County Market tend to sell cheaper organic goods because the goods may not be grown locally, Wander said. She added that some students don’t mind.