Lori Meadows
American University students have a variety of options when it comes to getting groceries. The university itself offers a food pantry called 'The Market' which aims to end food insecurity for students. Students can shop at The Market once per week and are limited to one bag of groceries. Outside of campus, students can take a bus to nearby grocery stores like Giant, Target, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. These stores offer a range of options, from lower-priced items at Target to specialty dietary options at Whole Foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University-provided food pantries | The Market at American University, Washington, DC |
| University meal plans | All-Inclusive Premium, All-Inclusive Plus, All-Inclusive Standard |
| Grocery stores | Giant, Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Safeway |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus food pantries
One of the first on-campus food pantries in the US was the MSU Student Food Bank, which was started by Bea Mott, a retired secretary at Michigan State University (MSU). Mott noticed that some students weren't getting enough to eat, so she initially organized meal basket distributions during the holidays. However, she soon realized that hunger was a year-round problem. Working with the graduate student government, she proposed the idea of a college food pantry to the administration, and the MSU Student Food Bank was born. This food bank has served as a model for other universities, such as George Washington University in Washington, D.C., which established its own food pantry after a graduate student raised awareness about college hunger.
American University in Washington, D.C., also has a food pantry called "The Market," which aims to end food insecurity within its student community. Students can gain access to The Market by tapping their AU One Card on the door during operating hours. They are allowed to shop once per week and can take one bag for their individual use. The Eagles Helping Eagles Program is another initiative by AU to support students facing food insecurity, relying on unused meal swipe donations.
In addition to on-campus food pantries, many universities have implemented meal assistance programs, such as Swipe Out Hunger, which allow students to donate their unused meal swipes to peers in need. These programs help bridge the gap for students who may lack sufficient meal plan credits. Furthermore, government programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) aim to address food insecurity among college students, ensuring they have access to nutritious food and can focus on their academic pursuits.
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Local grocery stores
Giant
Giant is a popular grocery store for students near American University in Washington, D.C. It is known for offering a wide range of essential pantry items and more. There are multiple Giant locations in the area, and students can get to one by taking the 33/31 bus from Tenley or walking, as it is less than a mile away from campus. Giant also offers a delivery option, which can be convenient for students without cars.
Target
Target is a multi-purpose store located near American University, accessible by the Wonk Bus to Tenleytown or an 18-minute walk from McDowell Hall. It offers a wide range of products, from groceries and produce to personal care items and school supplies. Target-brand products are usually lower-priced, allowing students to save money on their grocery trips.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods is another option for students, located near the Tenleytown Metro stop. It is known for its wide selection of organic and dietary-restriction-friendly options, although prices tend to be higher than stores like Giant or Trader Joe's. The large store size also makes it easier to social distance while shopping.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is accessible by taking the 33/31 bus from Tenley a few more stops past Target. It is known for its unique brands and affordable prices, offering a variety of interesting and tasty options for students on a budget.
Safeway
For students living off-campus, there is a Safeway located in Georgetown, accessible by taking the 33/31 bus a little further past Trader Joe's. Safeway also offers a delivery option for those without cars.
Additionally, American University operates The Market, a food pantry that seeks to address food insecurity within the student community. Students can access The Market with their AU One Card and are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags. The Market offers a variety of non-perishable items, fresh produce, and dairy and meat products when available. Students facing food insecurity can also find resources through the Eagles Helping Eagles Program and local organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank and Bethesda Cares.
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Meal plans
First- and second-year students living on campus at American University are required to have a meal plan. The university offers these students a choice between two plans: the All-Inclusive Premium and the All-Inclusive Plus. The specific components and values of each plan vary. For example, the number of meal swipes, retail meal exchanges, dining dollars, and guest meals included in each plan may differ. Dining dollars, in particular, can be used for snacks and purchases at on-campus locations, and any unused dining dollars can be rolled over to the next semester or donated to the Eagles Helping Eagles Program.
In addition to the standard meal plan components, American University's plans also offer unlimited access to the residential dining hall and the Terrace Dining Room (TDR). The university has several on-campus dining locations, including chain restaurants like Subway and Panera Bread. Students can also use their meal exchanges at these locations by ordering ahead on Grubhub. However, some students have expressed confusion about how to use their meal plan credits effectively, especially when ordering online.
The university has recently made changes to its meal plans, which has sparked mixed reactions from students. The new plan for Fall 2023 includes unlimited access to the dining hall for specific days of the week, a set number of meal exchanges and dining dollars, guest meals, and exclusive events. However, some students feel that the new plan is limiting and does not accommodate their needs, especially for upperclassmen. The university is also navigating how to incorporate the Eagles Helping Eagles Program, which receives funding from meal plan proceeds, into the new plan.
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Budget-friendly options
As a student, budgeting is an important skill to learn, especially when it comes to buying groceries. Here are some budget-friendly options for American university students to get their groceries:
On-Campus Options
American University in Washington, DC, offers various meal plan options for its students, including undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff. First- and second-year students living on campus are required to have a meal plan. These plans include components such as meal swipes, retail meal exchanges, dining dollars, and guest meals.
Additionally, American University has a food pantry called "The Market" that aims to address food insecurity within the student community. The Market provides access to a variety of food items, including non-perishable goods, fresh produce, and dairy products. Students can shop at The Market once a week and are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags. The Eagles Helping Eagles Program is another initiative that relies on unused meal swipe donations to support students facing food insecurity.
Off-Campus Options
For students living off-campus or looking for additional grocery options, there are several budget-friendly stores nearby:
- Giant: Located a few bus stops away or within walking distance. It offers a range of essential pantry items at more affordable prices compared to stores like Whole Foods.
- Target: Accessible via the Wonk Bus to Tenleytown, Target offers lower prices on its wide range of products, including groceries and household items. It's also within walking distance from the campus.
- Trader Joe's: A short bus ride away, Trader Joe's is known for its unique selection of affordable groceries and snacks.
- Safeway: A bit further away in Georgetown, Safeway provides another option for students, and they also offer a delivery service.
Additional Tips
- App Rewards: Use apps like GetUpside to earn cash back at gas stations and grocery stores by scanning receipts.
- Farmers Markets: Local farmers' markets often offer fresh produce and goods at reasonable prices.
- Bulk Buying: Buy non-perishable items in bulk to save money and reduce the frequency of shopping trips.
- Meal Planning: Plan your meals ahead to reduce food waste and make your groceries last longer.
- Dining Dollars: Utilize dining dollars included in meal plans for quick snacks to save retail meal exchanges for larger meals.
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Dietary restrictions
American University in Washington, DC, also addresses dietary restrictions through its food pantry, The Market. The Market aims to end food insecurity for all students in the American University community, providing equitable access to resources. While it encourages donations from students, The Market does not require proof of need, ensuring that students with dietary restrictions can access suitable food options.
When it comes to grocery shopping, students with dietary restrictions have various options near the American University campus. Whole Foods, located near the Tenleytown Metro stop, offers a wide selection of organic food brands catering to different dietary needs. Its easily accessible location and large space make it a convenient choice for students. Additionally, Target, also accessible from the Tenleytown Wonk Bus stop, provides a full produce section, allowing students to find foods that align with their dietary preferences.
For those with dietary restrictions, planning meals and navigating grocery shopping can be challenging. Universities can play a crucial role in supporting students by providing resources and accommodations to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Additionally, major grocery stores like Whole Foods and Target offer diverse options, enabling students to find suitable foods that cater to their specific dietary requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options for grocery shopping near the American University campus in Washington, DC. These include Giant, Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Safeway. Additionally, American University operates The Market, a food pantry that seeks to end food insecurity for students.
You can take the Wonk Bus to get to Whole Foods and Target in Tenleytown. The Giant store is a few stops on the 33/31 bus from Tenley or less than a mile walk. You can also take the 33/31 bus a few more stops to get to Trader Joe's.
Target is a multi-purpose store where you can find a variety of products, including groceries, personal care items, school supplies, and more, all at lower prices. Whole Foods is ideal if you have dietary restrictions or prefer organic food, but it can be more expensive. Giant and Trader Joe's typically offer lower prices than Whole Foods.
The Market offers a variety of food items, including non-perishable goods such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal, as well as fresh produce, dairy products, and meat when available. They are also working on expanding their gluten-free options.
