Shop at local farmer’s markets to find organic food at great prices; know your way around the supermarket to save money there, too.

Farmer's market fare becomes even more affordable with a few simple strategies.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Despite the economic downturn, people are still buying organic. In fact, organic food sales rose nearly 16 percent last year, according to a new survey just released by the Organic Trade Association. But there’s still a perception that healthy, organic food costs more. And a recent study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association linked healthier diets to higher income. But healthy eating is for everyone, and with some forethought anyone can eat healthy without spending extra.

THE DETAILS: The study found that women with more money are filling their diets with healthier foods, such as lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy products, and produce. Many are also turning to organic foods, as more studies have shown that many organic fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients than produce treated with chemicals. Organic food sales rang in at $22.9 billion last year, with organic food accounting for about 3.5 percent of all food sales in the United States.

WHAT IT MEANS: While some might take the research as evidence that healthy food is out of reach for anyone shopping on a budget, don’t be discouraged. You can feed yourself and your family affordable, healthy grub.