Where is everyone getting their organic meat?

[Callmehungry]

I'm on the hunt for inexpensive organic meat, mainly beef and poultry in the Vancouver area (specifically Kits). I will settle for medication free stuff. I'm trying to go organic for my baby boy but it's just so gosh darn expensive! Any recommendations? Has anyone tried ordering direct from the farmers? I don't mind buying in bulk so am wondering if this is a feasible option... Thanks in advance for your advice!

[foodsnobz]

I love Heritage Meats in Langley but its not cheap. I make the trip out there once in a while to stock up.

[Callmehungry]

Thanks everyone for the tips and suggestions!

[Mmmsoup]

Organic is pricey anywhere. I guess it depends on the budget. If you want to check out BigBearRanch.com I've just ordered from them and so far worth every penny. They deliver a few times a year to Vancouver - and I'm willing to wait.

[bill_n_opus]

Interesting site that BigBearRanch ... I may end up ordering some stuff from them sometime.

But Holy Cow, they are from Horsefly, BC ... that's like an 8 hour drive away. A significant cost of doing business must be fuel-related ... although i'm sure that other operating costs are less than the Lower Mainland.

[Mmmsoup]

True. However my order arrived right on time. Cut, wrapped, clearly labelled and frozen solid. And Thye will deliver bulk orders - so I shared with others in my co-op to make up a decent-sized order. I imagine that's how they make the drive here worth it.

[KarenDW]

The Steves family operates Steves Farm in Steveston, and Back Valley Ranch in the Okanagan. Not certified organic, but grass/range fed; you could contact directly re: other considerations. They take preorders throughout the year, for twice-yearly delivery. Lower mainland customers pick up from the Steveston farm. www.stevesfarm.com All product is shipped frozen.

[lunchslut]

Cioffi's in Burnaby has relatively good prices fir organic meats meats as well....we buy fresh and freeze.

[mrbitterpants]

The Butcher on W10th by UBC has a decent selection as does Big Lou's on Powell St. Good prices (in relative terms).

[KarenDW]

If you are ok with frozen meat, then check out the winter farmers' market. Famous Foods has reasonable selection. In Kits, I use Market Meats.

[fmed]

"Inexpensive" and "Organic" are mutually exclusive terms, unfortunately. I often get organic chicken and rarely get beef. There is a new place on Commercial Dr called Pasture to Plate. You might be familiar with the brand as they have been supplying a number of stores with their meat for years.

Buying in bulk is feasible - you can share a side with a bunch of friends. I have done this in the past. It didn't really come out much cheaper.

[LotusRapper]

My personal fave is Famous Foods on Kingsway, just east of the intersection of King Edward. Not tons of organic or med-free meats, but enough for me most of the time. They have beef, pork, chicken and bison.

[grayelf]

I haven't done any extensive research but I recall thinking that the prices on the organic meat at Famous Foods were cheaper than other places like Whole Foods or Choices. But don't quote me :-).

[LotusRapper]

FF is cheaper for sure than WF or Choices. Then again, FF's decor is in proportion to its prices, lol.