PITTSBURGH -- The cost of fruits and vegetables is on the rise, forcing many families to choose between food on the table and paying bills.

But there are some cheaper ways to feed your family.

Video: Check it Out

Local experts agree that buying local products could help when it comes to rising produce prices.

Pittsburgh's East End Co-Op not only features local products, they emphasize their importance while acknowledging they might not be the cheapest.

"You're supporting the local economy, so when you spend $1, it stays here," said Rob Baron of the Co-Op.

Here is what we found when we compared a few local products from the Co-Op to non locals at Giant Eagle.

When comparing prices at the Co-Op to a Giant Eagle store, a half gallon of raw milk from an Elizabeth farm costs $3.19, while at Giant Eagle, a regular half gallon cost about $1.85.

One container of locally grown lettuce cost about $2.49, but at Giant Eagle, it cost about $3.99 a pound.

The cost of 4 ounces of sprouts costs $1.99 at both places.

"If you're buying at grocery stores, items are shipped in from who knows where," said Larry Voll of Soergel's Market. "You can't talk to somebody and say what happened to this product in the growing process."

Voll said since all of his products are locally grown, shipping and fuel are not cost factors, but keeping up with corporate is tough, so his prices are not cheaper.

If savings is what you want, growing your own plants might be the best option to get both benefits.

---

Local Farmers' Markets:

Citiparks Farmers' Markets
In various Pittsburgh neighborhoods

Farmers @ Firehouse
2216 Penn Avenue, Strip District, next to Firehouse Lounge

Farmers' Co-Op Market of East Liberty
344 N. Sheridan Avenue, next to Home Depot)

Farmers Market Alliance of W.Pa.:
Click On "Our Markets"

Local Farmers' Markets Listings:
"Buy Fresh Buy Local" Web site

Related Links:
More County News Get RSS Headlines | Free Desktop Alert

---