Meating expectations

Where's the beef? In these shoppers' baskets, and so is the chicken. However, while service meat sounds popular, organic meat has often not made it into the cart, whether because of perceptions that there's little difference, or too much of a difference, especially when it comes to price.

Donna

Spot welder, Bluffton, Ind.

How often do you buy fresh meat from the service counter?

Three or four times a month.

How have the prices of beef affected your purchase decisions in the last year?

I've cut down on beef, and buy smaller portions.

Have you ever purchased organic/all-natural meats?

No. It's too expensive when it's available in my area.

Nurse, Oregon, Wis.

How often do you buy fresh meat from the service counter?

Once a week.

Have the prices of beef affected your purchase decisions in the last year?

No.

If price were not a factor, what meat products would you most frequently purchase?

Pork chops, steak, and chicken breasts.

Have you ever purchased organic/all-natural meats?

No, because of the price.