Take it from a rising Take Five: URochester’s dining plans have improved plenty over the past couple of years. But that doesn’t mean they encompass all student needs — whether that be allergen restrictions, finding internationally sourced ingredients, or accommodating general preferences. So, when you eventually get tired of Douglass, Danforth, and the Pit, here’s a list of locally-based grocery stores to try, all within walking or shuttle distance.
Hikari Foods and Grocery
Hikari is an East Asian grocery market located a few blocks away from College Town in Mount Hope Plaza. While Joy Mart, another Asian grocery option located a bit closer to campus, is also worth noting, Hikari takes the cake when it comes to selection size and affordability, hence their feature in this article (side note: Joy Mart does accept Rocky Bucks, so if you have any, spend that money before you spend your real money for grocery items). Hikari carries an excellent selection of frozen goods (fish, meat, prepared items), basics such as rice and noodles, sauces and seasonings, and even fresh produce and snacks. It’s probably one of the closest places to campus that you can consistently get fruits and vegetables, so it’s particularly noteworthy for that alone.
Address: 1667 Mt Hope Avenue
How to get there: Blue Line to Behind Goler House, walk 10 minutes
SNAP/EBT accepted: Yes
Marilla’s Mindful Supplies
If I’m being honest, Marilla’s isn’t exactly a grocery store. However, it still makes the cut — and it’s part of the main inspiration for this article. While Marilla’s won’t meet the bulk of your grocery needs, it meets most other needs … that is, for bulk items. The small storefront has a pretty strong array of high-quality spices for pretty cheap, as well as other basics like oats, flour, oils, and hand-ground peanut butter. Just make sure to bring your own jar to avoid the fee that comes with purchasing one on-site. Along with food options, the shop carries a variety of eco-friendly home (primarily kitchen and bath) items such as soaps, towels, and cookware — the specifics of which can be found on their website. I’d recommend Marilla’s for specific needs, particularly their array of spices.
Address: 661 South Ave Suite D
How to get there: Orange Line to Gregory & South, walk one minute
SNAP/EBT accepted: No
Abundance Food Co-op
Just down the block from Marilla’s you’ll find Abundance Food Co-op: a community-focused grocery store with a wide selection of local products. Their product array is comparable to a Whole Foods, and sports primarily non-GMO, organic, and environmentally conscious brands — as well as a strong selection of bulk goods (e.g. nuts, grains, candy) and prepackaged to-go items. The store also offers a strong variety of vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-friendly options. Abundance leans on the more expensive side, particularly for a college budget, but justifies its price points through high-quality products and community investment. You can also become a lifelong store shareholder for $100, which gives you some regular discounts (and a say in the store’s board of directors, if that’s your thing). I’d recommend looking into it if you plan on being a frequent shopper (especially for their bulked goods discounts), but otherwise suggest Abundance for specific pricier needs or finding something in a pinch.
Address: 571 South Ave
How to get there: Orange Line to Gregory & South, walk four minutes
SNAP/EBT accepted: Yes
Caribbean Groceries
Caribbean Groceries is a small grocery mart that packs a sizable punch in their stock of Caribbean and Jamaican items, including snacks, spices, mixes (for items like fufu and festival bread), canned goods, and fruits and vegetables. Their prices are also quite agreeable, and the store is a great option for grocery access close to the Eastman campus.
Address: 521 E Main Street
How to get there: Red Line to Eastman Living Center, walk three minutes
SNAP/EBT accepted: Yes
The Public Market
The Public Market is kind of the Fertile Crescent of Rochester — and a firm reminder that you hit farmland in basically any direction that you travel from the city. Held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the market sports dozens of vendors that cover all of your produce needs, along with plenty of butchers, bakers, baristas, spice vendors — you get the drift. I’d recommend stopping by with a $10 or $20 bill and a hankering for some cheap seasonal produce. If you’re in the mood for a meal, they’ve got a good range as well, including empanadas, Polish breakfast items, and classic American diner food. It’s worth noting that the market cools down a bit during the winter months, but you can still find a decent array of vendors inside.
Address: 280 Union St N
How to get there: Green Line to Public Market (Saturdays only, seasonal from Aug. 29–Nov. 7)
SNAP/EBT accepted: Yes
Additional Resources and Options
The Green Line stops at larger food retailers such as the International Food Market, Wegmans, Target, Tops, Walmart, and Whole Foods on weekends. The shuttle schedule can be found on their website at https://adminfinance.rochester.edu/resources/green-line-shuttle-schedule/.
Additionally, the International Services Office offers a broad list of grocery options in the Rochester area, many of which are within driving and public transport-supported distances. This information can be found on their website at https://www.rochester.edu/iso/living/shopping/.
Happy shopping!
