Columbia offers cheap or healthy fare

Organic grocery stores in Columbia strive to carry healthier food.

By Paige Pritchard

Published Feb. 2, 2009

A key part of any college student's independence is learning how to buy groceries and cook food for themselves. Columbia offers students a wide assortment of stores where students can find both good deals and healthy choices.

Chain grocery stores in the area include three Wal-Marts, three Gerbes, two Schnucks and a Hy-Vee.

"Wal-Mart is generally cheaper than anywhere else and more convenient," senior Justin Bernett said. "Everything's in the same area and it's open 24 hours."

There are also a number of smaller grocery stores that provide healthier options and locally grown items.

Clover's Natural Market, owned by Columbia resident Patty Clover, provides organic produce and refuses to carry any food containing ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, aspartame and MSG. The products are often more expensive, but Clovers' Web site does offer some coupons.

The Root Cellar, located at 814 E. Broadway, is another small business that encourages healthy eating and support of local farmers by partnering with a number of farms in the area.

Not only does this increase the farms' business but is also efficient for the store itself, Root Cellar co-owner Kimberly Griffin.

"The closer I buy to home, the less expensive things are," Griffin said. "Transportation costs are usually cheaper when you buy from local farmers."

Griffin encourages college students to spend the extra money it takes to buy fresh produce and organic food.

"High fructose corn syrup is just a filler," Griffin said. "Organic food is more expensive because you're getting exactly what you paid for."

For college students who are not experienced with cooking on their own but still want to stay healthy, Griffin advised eating raw vegetables and fruits.

"You don't have to know how to cook, and you can still eat healthy," she said.

Columbia's Farmer's Market, which opens this year on March 21, is also a resource for groceries that are both fresh and cheap. Located behind Columbia's Activity and Recreation Center, the market offers a wide variety of choices as a result of hosting many different vendors.

Although eating out might be quick and convenient at times, many students prefer to stay in and make their own meals.

"I like to cook for myself more than eat out," Bernett said. "It's definitely cheaper, even more so than just going to McDonalds. And it's more convenient for me since I don't have a car."

In general, students who live off campus struggle to balance between buying what is cheap and what is healthy.

"I usually buy what's healthiest and what tastes better," senior Josh Chiero said. "I try to stay fit and in shape and if I have crappy food in my body, I definitely feel the effects."