|
(By Jordan Ashelford & Julia Koenig – Bond University Journalism Students)
In a recent vox pop, 14 of 22 Varsity Lakes residents said they preferred organic foods to commercially processed foods.
Flannery’s Natural Grocers senior sales assistant Sally Drinkwater said she believed an increase in nutritional knowledge among the public had caused the shift in shopping habits.
“People are becoming more aware of the harmful chemicals in our food,” Ms Drinkwater said.
“Initially many people came into our store because of food allergies, but we’re seeing a much more diverse group of people shopping here now.
“Awareness has grown, especially because of Coles and Woolworths providing organic options too, not just small organic grocers.”
Local dietician Fiona Lewis said shopping organic has become a new trend for consumers, just like being more environmentally friendly.
“Although it is more expensive, I highly recommend my clients to shop organically as the harmful chemicals on regular fruit and vegetables are damaging our bodies,” she said.
“It takes farmers three to five years to prepare their food organically as the chemicals need to be thoroughly cleaned out.
“During this time farmers are unable to make any profit, so this is the reason why organic food is more costly but also more beneficial.”
Varsity Lakes resident Anya Robbie said she regularly shopped at organic grocers.
“Buying organic is the only way I can ensure I’m buying the best food for my body,” Ms Robbie said.
“I prefer to purchase goat’s milk yoghurt and spelt bread because it’s much easier to digest.
“The only downside is that buying organic is much more expensive.”
However, Flannery’s sales assistant Sally Drinkwater said despite the economic crisis people were still concerned with their health.
Ms Drinkwater said at Flannery’s they had not seen a drop in sales during the recent financial upheaval.
“We have noticed as the demand for organic groceries has gone up, the price of our fruit and vegetables has gone down,” she said.
Ms Drinkwater said she had noticed many regular customers who were serious about organic food, have not cut back on their spending and have continued to shop at the Natural Grocer.
|