Some people are backing away from organic food to save a few bucks. But one family's managing to do both -- eat organic and save a bundle on groceries.

Stepping into Monique Dupre's kitchen is like stepping back in time.

Eggs from the henhouse made the evening's omelet. Yes, Dupre raises hens. She also makes her own butter, makes her own bread and dries her own fruit.

You won't find any processed foods in Dupre's kitchen.

"Processed foods -- that's a killer for the budget," she said.

Instead of buying those budget busters, Dupre buys locally from the source. From March to October, she gets a box of seasonal fruits and vegetables for around $15 a week. And while she buys organic, she advises not getting too caught up in labels.

"Most of the local farms are not certified organic, but they still use all of the organic practices," she said.

Dupre teaches people how to live more sustainably on a budget. Everything comes from her garden, the farmer's market or a local farm instead of the supermarket.

She spends about half of the average spending for a family of four -- around $400 a month. But her efforts go beyond meals to household cleaners as well.

"So that's my vinegar that I will sometimes clean with and my tea tree oil cleaner. And that's it," she said.

Dupre says she makes her own lotion for practically nothing.

"Pennies, pennies. It's olive oil and beeswax, calendula from my garden, a drop of essential oil and vitamin E oil. Pennies," she said.

And the family uses an unconventional shampoo.

"It's apple cider vinegar," Dupre said.

Dupre's methods may require a little effort. But by living simply without society's must haves, the family has more money left over at the end of the month.