Tesco Nation

Tesco Flag, BanksyOne of the top stories featured in last week’s BBC World News Podcast focuses on how tough economic times force people to cut back on everyday luxuries, such as healthy food. Shockingly, amidst drastic layoffs and salary reductions, KFC is creating some 9000 jobs. This news is quite revolting, and as somewhat of a health food fanatic, I have been wracking my brain to find a reason as to why someone would prefer to seek out a KFC, rather than find a way buy less expensive products from a supermarket. Didn’t anyone read Fast Food Nation or see Supersize Me? Hi. My name is Hannah, and I am addicted to Whole Foods. In New York City, I live one block away from the two-story health food haven, and must admit that last semester I went into the store easily once or twice a day. Now, I understand that this behavior is somewhat fastidious and not conducive to saving money, but in my opinion, as long as I am careful to not buy as many prepared items, they are worth the cost because I at least I am eating fresh, organic food. A trip to Whole Foods is so much more than the simple act of buying groceries; it is an experience.Given my dependency in New York, one can imagine my level of excitement when I heard that a new Whole Foods had opened recently in South Kensington. While initially I vowed to break my habits by avoiding the store (I mean, I did not come to study in London to perpetuate the same lifestyle I have at home), I finally gave in one afternoon after finishing up a class trip. Surprisingly, the trip there was disappointing. The peanuts are bleached and taste like cardboard, the salad bar does not have nearly half the selection of items, and vast space makes it challenging to find what one is looking for throughout the three floors. I am glad I went, but can confidently say that I will not venture back for the rest of my duration abroad.So where to next? I have been to the Borough Markets, a host of stands and wholesale suppliers that set up every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for people to peruse, sample, and purchase everything from meat and fish to cheese, produce, and sweets. While this area truly is gastronomical heaven, who wants to take the 35-minute tube commute to spend an hour pillaging through the masses of people, just to haul back the loot that will not last for more than a few days? At this point I came to appreciate the value of Tesco. Weary at first of buying from the value store, where typically most food expires the day it is put on the shelf, I now understand why Tesco is one of the most widely visited shops throughout London. Not only is there some form of the store, be it Giant, Metro, or To Go, in every neighborhood, but the prices literally cannot be beat. I’ve been able to find fresh food that not only lasts, but also costs far less than the food I buy in the States! Even with the dollar/pound exchange rate, I now find myself saving money. So what is my solution to this global credit crunch? Drop those fried chicken wings, and pledge allegiance to Tesco.