Ah, moving out of the dorms: It's a joyful experience, a rite of passage marked by freedom from floor meetings, a non-existent alcohol policy and roommates you can stand to be in the same room with-but it's also a reality check. Suddenly, you can't just hop across the street or downstairs for sustenance, and the days of eating three square meals in the cafeteria courtesy of your WisCard are gone forever.
To ease the transition, Cardinal Food presents a guide to several area grocery stores where you'll likely be stocking up on Easy Mac and other essentials. Whether you need convenience to allay a crucial shortage of peanut butter or want rock-bottom prices due to an equally crucial shortage of funds, there's a store in Madison that will fit the bill.
Located on the corner of N. Broom St. and Mifflin St., Capitol Centre Foods calls itself \Downtown Madison's Only Full Service Supermarket."" Many students living near this area of campus frequent Cap Foods, especially those without cars. Ellen Banakis, a junior and resident of a nearby apartment building, appreciates the convenience of having a grocery store within walking distance.
""I go there for little stuff,"" Banakis said. ""Where else are you going to go [for groceries] on campus?""
For those who may not live as close by, Cap Foods offers online shopping and free delivery (plus a $4.95 shopping fee with a minimum $40 order). This option is great for shoppers buying more than they can carry, or for those winter days when walking even a block could mean losing a finger to frostbite.
Besides the convenience factor, however, Capitol Centre Foods has little to offer. It is noticeably more expensive than other stores in the area and offers a much smaller selection. Students on a typical college budget are much better off hitching a ride to Copp's or Woodman's for better food at better prices.
The campus is laden with food options, but what better way to kill three hours on a Sunday afternoon than riding the bus to West Towne Mall for groceries? A car would be the best option, but for most, the Metro Route 6 is easy enough to catch on State Street, and after a 40-minute ride, one can be deposited directly next to Cub Foods, 7455 Mineral Point Rd. Aisles upon aisles of bargain-priced variety await in a warehouse-style atmosphere. The produce section is a gold mine in comparison to the distinct lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the grocery stores on State Street.
Grabbing a cart is instinctive, but a better option is to limit purchases to whatever fits in a hand basket. It's smart to stock up on necessities and good deals, but don't forget the fact that all purchases must be hauled back on the bus. If the cheap 24-packs of drinks, jumbo-sized chips, and abundance of impulse buys are just too tempting, a few hijacked carts and some oversized shopping bags from the nearby mall can do the trick in consolidating the excess groceries. However, arriving with a list and sticking to it is key.
The Mifflin Street Co-op is a great source for organic and ethnic food selections. It is located conveniently on the corner of Mifflin Street and Bassett Street; a central location in the southeast area. There is a fairly hefty supply of organic foods, soy products, fresh spices, and fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're looking for frozen pizza, potato chips, ready-made or boxed meals or name brand food items this may not be the first place to look. This store offers healthy food alternatives that can be added to improve a typical college diet. Some items may seem a bit pricey. However, these items would probably cost the same at any grocery store, since organic foods tend to be more expensive. So, depending on your diet, the Mifflin Street Co-op may or may not be for you. If you live off Ramen noodles, Hamburger Helper, Rice-A-Roni or any of the many other college-friendly five- minute meals, the Mifflin Street Co-op may not be for you. If you're looking for healthier options with organic ingredients, soy products, or foods with ethnic ingredients, the Mifflin Street Co-op should serve all your grocery shopping needs.
Grocery shopping in Madison can be tough when you live on campus, but Sentry Food Store, 726 N. Midvale Blvd., is a great place to go. It is a short bus or car ride away to the Hilldale Shopping Center at the corner of University Ave. and Midvale Blvd. Like many grocery stores, Sentry has a free discount card that offers reduced prices on selected items at different times. If you are in a big hurry or just don't like cooking for yourself, there are often great deals on frozen TV dinners and frozen pizza. If you??like fresh produce, the selection at Sentry is great. But beware; it's such a popular place to shop that if you go during popular shopping times (weekends) the produce might be picked over.
The prices at Sentry are average, but every time you go you'll find something you need that is much cheaper than it would be somewhere else, plus a good variety.
Not sure what they put in that dorm food? Or how about that instant microwavable meal? Whole Foods Market, located at 3313 University Ave., offers a refreshingly healthy organic alternative. Its wide variety of products caters to both the regulars and the newcomers.
At first, the foods may appear as pricier mirror images of the same lines Pick 'n Save shelves, but every product is organic. In other words, everything is wholesome, fresh and safe to eat. Foods are free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, artificial preservatives and colors. For the best price, there is the ""bulk foods"" section where the perfect amount of cereal, nuts, beans or dried fruits can be scooped into a plastic bag-just remember to write the item and its number on the twist tie-and you can grind natural peanut butter right around the corner.
UW-Madison sophomore and Whole Foods regular Tammy Gee says the market ""caters to different diets or different budgets and there's a wide variety of foods you can choose from."" Whole Foods is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and it's just a short walk from bus Route 2.
If you are in the market for cheap groceries and lots of them, Woodman's is the place for you. Although a slight 15-minute drive from campus (725 S. Gammon Rd.), one does not need a car to gain access to this food haven. Bus number 50 will transport you right to the parking lot. Woodman's offers a large variety in foods, ranging from a substantial meat selection, homemade bakery items and an entire aisle dedicated to cheese. However, one may find it difficult and tiring to search for specific items in this warehouse-like setting.
Also, do not plan on charging the grocery bill to your credit card because they do not accept plastic (although an ATM is readily available). Another thing worth noting is the license plate designated to each cart. Upon payment, this plate number is written on your receipt. You are then instructed to drive your car to the loading area and show your receipt with the cart number to an employee so they can promptly pack your groceries for you. However, this can be more of a hassle than a convenience.
Although you may be spending less money here, you must be willing to expend more time and energy on your grocery endeavor.
