Moms Talk Q&A: Pastured vs. Conventional Meat and Eggs

As parents, we want to give our kids the best of everything, especially when it comes to health and nutrition. Many of us worry about our kids eating conventional meat and eggs with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), hormones and antibiotics and have good reason for concern. 

Researchers say grass-fed pastured (free range) beef is healthier than conventional grain-fed beef because of higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and the lack of GMOs, hormones and antibiotics. It's believed that animals living in a more natural environment produce healthier meat. Speaking of environment, pasture-raised livestock farms claim to produce less pollution because of their smaller size and the lack of emissions from harvesting and transporting grain.

Unfortunately, farm-fresh pastured meats and eggs are not available in Benicia so it requires a drive across the bridge. Like many organic produce farms, independent farms such as Marin Sun Farms offer delivery of fresh meats and seasonal eggs when you join its CSA Meat Club.

Pastured meat is looking pretty good, but of course it's more expensive. Below is a price comparison:

• 'Whole chickens per pound - Foster Farms at $.88 versus Marin Sun Farms $4.99

Are pastured meats and eggs worth the extra cost?