Let’s face it: A trip to the grocery store is a highlight for many college students, as goodies are loaded up for the upcoming week and weekend.

With the opening of Trader Joe’s–the specialty-foods store that offers seemingly unknown brands and products from around the world at almost college-appropriate prices—last October, many Le Moyne students were beyond ecstatic.

However with two recent recalls, the average selection of products at the notorious health food store has decreased in an impactful, big way.

The first recall of the chain’s cinnamon almonds last week shocked consumers, as the possibility of peanuts contaminating the bags was never officially confirmed. A week later, a salmonella recall of five varieties of the store’s walnuts was released.

Consumers on campus are not surprised by the recent recalls. After all a recall is not an outbreak of Ebola.

Mattea McDonald, a freshman, Communications major, believes, “A lot of grocers have had recalls and it’s not always the store’s fault but rather the supplier’s. I love Trader Joe’s, mostly because they offer a great selection of products at lower prices than their competitors.”

Of course this raises questions of the health of Le Moyne’s students—what exactly are students putting into their bodies and where are they getting it from?

Many students, on campus, are quite conscious of these and do their best to eat as healthily as possible on a small budget.

Siobhan Shea, a class of 2018 student commented, “I actually buy the bulk of my groceries from Hannaford or Wegmans. Trader Joe’s is for cheese, some snacks, and (naturally) Ginger Brew. I look for price, like if there is a buy ‘two for the price of one’ type of deal, and what the contents of my food are. I generally try to get healthier snacks and leaner meats. I think content is important, however, I refuse to sacrifice flavor for health benefits. Viva la processed sugar!”

Even with reduced prices, some students contemplate how “worth it” it is to shop for organic or less processed foods.

Renee Fenzl, a Le Moyne freshman, Biology major stated, “Maybe it is healthier, but the higher prices for healthy food make it unrealistic to truly make a difference in the long run—as many people cannot afford to shop like that every day.

Granted, this does not simply extend to what is residing in the mini refrigerators on campus. Even in the dining hall, students find themselves trying to make healthier choices.

Freshman Amanda Grimme said, “It’s hard to make decisions regarding health and wellness in college. There are so many opportunities to ‘fall off the wagon’ of a healthy diet. But we are lucky here at Le Moyne that the option to eat a bit healthier is always available.”