Milton Food Fair — Local services in Milton

Foodland has been here as long as I can remember, and I do remember when it used to be a decent place to shop for groceries. Now? Not so much. The workers are decent enough, though some of the younger ones have an attitude at times. They're not as bad as some other places I've shopped. Some of them are slow. I once stood at the cigarette counter for 10 minutes, while 3 workers stood at the cash registers doing nothing, waiting for someone to come help me. But most people there are friendly.

Foodland is good if you live in Milton and need something quick. I'd recommend shopping here ONLY if you have no other place to shop. And make sure you check the expiration dates. I bought a box of cereal yesterday (Oct. 24) that expired the beginning of September. $4 for a box of expired cereal. This has happened way too many times, in fact, nearly every time we buy something here (or start to buy something), it's expired by a month or more. A few days past the expiration date is understandable, but more than a week or two is just disgusting and can be dangerous. I went to Foodland last year (2011) and found a can of Okra that had expired in late 2009. So no, even your canned foods are not safe. Check those too. Dairy products are usually not expired, though it's still best to check them. Their products are overpriced compared to other stores like Kroger and Walmart.

The produce, again only good if you need it quickly, is "acceptable" at best. A lot of the open (not pre-packaged) greens I've started to buy there have slime on them or are very wilted and rotten looking. The fruits are better looking than the vegetables. Though all of it is overpriced. $1.69 for an avocado and $3 for a small bunch of broccoli? $6 for a small bag of grapefruit? No. Just no. Go an extra mile or two for $.79 cent grapefruits, $.99 avocadoes and $1.40 (bigger) bunches of broccoli at the Halfway Mart. All of the produce is cheaper at the market, and it's all better looking and tasting. I think the only thing good that can be said about Foodland's produce is that the green onions are always perfect, even though they are $1 for a small bunch. I always get my green onions there because they're simply better than any other place I've gotten them.

As for the bakery section, I don't use it. But I've heard from others that it's not bad.

Overall, I'd say you're better off going to Kroger in Barboursville or Walmart in Hurricane. But if you have to shop at Foodland, check food-safety seals and expiration dates BEFORE you even throw them...

I went in to get a few things today and was astounded at the rudeness we received at the checkout! My son who is special needs asked the bagger how long he had been working there? The bagger completely ignored him. I had to say hey I think my son is speaking to you. He continued to ignore both of us. I also had a question for the cashier about yogurt that was on sale and wanted to make sure it rang up that way. She seemed confused and disinterested and proceeded to call the manager over. The manager was no better. Spoke down to me when I asked her the same question about the yogurt and didn't really seem to understand the system either. At this point I just said whatever and paid. If you can't have friendly employees and managers that want to help customers and be kind to special needs people or any people for that matter, you will no longer get my business. I will drive to teays valley or Barboursville to do...

It has really gone down hill since Food Fair took over. Prices are still through the roof. However what really puts me off is the quality. I bought two donuts on 1/17. Ate the first then went for the second. Donut two was flipped upside down. After taking a bite I notice under the icing teeny tiny black dots. At first I thought it was vanilla bean particles. Nope it’s only on one side and only 3-4 different spots. It was mold. After calling customer service (I was already in the road by then to Charleston) they honestly didn’t care at all. They had an attitude and it was beyond rude. They kept repeating, “uhm ok?”

Two hours later my stomach troubles began and have so far persisted into the next day. I will not go back and honestly unless you’re desperate I wouldn’t go. If you do check your...