The Lantern

Issue date: 5/15/08 Section: Arts

Across the world, many people are making the switch to food raised without chemicals and processed without additives.

Cathy Ruczko, a graduate student in pharmacy, is one such person.

"I like eating foods that haven't been treated with antibiotics," Ruczko said. "Organic food just is healthier ... more antioxidants, more nutrients."

Ali Zeigler, a sophomore in human development and family science, said she agreed with Ruczko.

"I started purchasing organic food this year since I'm living off campus and don't use swipes anymore," Zeigler said. "My mom is a nurse, so I've grown up eating really healthy and hearing lots about the health benefits of organic foods. I also feel like the flavors in organic fruits and veggies are much better and stronger than that of regular fruits and veggies. Organic foods have more vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids that your body needs compared to non-organic foods."

However, with the recent closure of Sunflower Market and the high price of maintaining an organic diet, pro-organic students at Ohio State have limited options.

Under standards adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2000, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and antibiotics may not be used in raising organic food products, as well as the use of biotechnology, irradiation and human compost.

Food whose ingredients are at least 95 percent organic by weight carry the USDA organic label; products containing only organic ingredients are labeled 100 percent organic.

Due to the higher cost of production, retail prices of organic food are generally higher as well.

"I'm not 100 percent organic, because I would run out of money," Ruczko said with a

chuckle. Ruczko added, however, that the price difference between regularly produced food and organic food is usually only 50 cents to a dollar.

"One of the common myths about organic food is that it is super expensive," Zeigler said. "And although it is a bit more expensive than your normal food, I believe it's definitely worth it. If you were going to start running you wouldn't buy just any gym shoes to run in, but you would want to have gym shoes that fit well and were good for your feet. Why don't we treat our bodies the same way?"

With the absence of Sunflower Market, people have resorted to Kroger and Giant Eagle to fulfill their organic needs.

"There's definitely less of a selection at Giant Eagle (than at Sunflower Market), but the price is around the same," Ruczko said. "I couldn't really find anything at Meijer, though."

Zeigler said she also had to look for other organic shopping sources after the closing of Sunflower Market.

"Many grocery stores such as Giant Eagle and Kroger on High Street offer organic sections, and there are great stores like Whole Foods on Lane Avenue," Zeigler said. "As far as being close to campus, my personal favorite is the Kroger on N. High Street for their organic selection. There's lots of fun organic options that are good for college students if you don't have time or money to buy fresh fruits and veggies. You can buy organic meats, pizza, frozen burritos, cereals and all of the other college food essentials."

Olivia Radcliffe can be reached at radcliffe.33@osu.edu.

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