MCAS Iwakuni Commissary |
Average DeCA Commissary |
Average Stateside Supermarket |
|
Sq. Footage | 9,000 | 19,000 | 28,000 |
The really unbearable thing about the commissary here, is that they actually have the nerve to sell us outdated food. I remember in the states, that homeless shelters could not accept donations of outdated food; it wasn't good enough for starving poor people. But, it is apparently good enough for the men and women who have chosen to serve their country, and for their families!!! I complained to the main office in VA, and got a very concerned phone call. They wanted to make sure that I understood that they did their best to get the food here on time, but that the transportation was slow. They made sure I received phone calls from personnel here at Iwakuni, to restate their official viewpoint. However, my personal opinion is that the problems cannot be solved at this end... there needs to be major restructuring of the entire process of getting food over here. Something as simple as putting "date frozen" and "date shelved" stickers on previously frozen items such as butter, would give the comsumer much more information on which to base purchase decisions. This will be an ongoing point of contention for me, until something is changed for the better.
***NOTE***: In the three years or so that we were in Iwakuni, I did see an improvement in the quality of food items sold. I think there were fewer bugs (though I wouldn't go so far as to say they are no longer a problem). The outdated items were still an issue when we left. The POC for the commissary is Grace L. McCann, the Commissary Officer, at DSN 253-4512. I had a talk with the Army food inspectors, while at the vet's buying heartworm meds for our dog. They assured me that they "Inspect like consumers, and consume like inspectors"! I thought it was quotable :-) I guess until something is done about the situation here, you'll have to consume like an inspector, too!
Links to other sites on the Web
DECA
Visit the website of the Defense Commissary Agency. The Shoppers Cart section has info on upcoming promotions and sales; there are some good links for public health/food safety; and there's an e-mail address, so you can share your thoughts and feelings about our commissary :-)
Attached to the exchange is the 7-day store. They have school supplies and computer paper, liquor & magazines, beauty products, personal products and some over-the-counter medicines, etc. The selection of these last 3 items is very poor, here and in the commissary. There is no Thrifty Drugs or Revco to run out to, when you can't find what you want on base. The Japanese stores may carry similar items, but if you can't read the instructions on a medicine bottle, you can't be sure of what you're getting! Also carried here is some food, milk and juice, for those emergency times when the commissary is closed.
The video store, which used to be located within the seven day store, has moved to a building across the street from the post office. It's much bigger, with a larger selection, & better hours- quite an improvement! Their new hours are: Sun-Thurs, 10am to 10pm; Fri & Sat, 10am to 11pm.
If you have a home business with an e-mail or webpage, let me know, and I'll put it here! Or you can put it on my Classified Ad page! Did you know you can now advertise your home biz in the MCCS Preview? You can! Text & full-color graphics, priced by column-inch. Call 253-6373.
Links to other sites on the Web
Independent Wife 3/12/99 A webpage for military WAHW (work at home wives). Useful place for networking; check it out!
AAFES Catalog Online (authorized Exchange customers only) Want to expand your shopping experience beyond the MCX? Here's one online option!
Stateside Shopping Online Just found this service, designed for Americans abroad, especially DOD types! They'll find you the best price on items you need or want from the USA. There is a fee involved but it seems reasonably small. Haven't used this... if you do, let me know what you think!
Links to other sites on the Web
Wal-Mart Online From here you can get to both Wal-Mart and Sam's Club!
J. C. Penney Online
Current Inc. I order my checks from Current... they also have cute gifts and stationary :-)
See's Candies MMMMmmmmm!!!! See's chocolates available online, and shipped to APO/FPO :-)
Computer Shopper NetBuyer
United CD ROM
Amazon books
Barnes and Noble
Asahi Japan Collectibles Great selection of Japanese items,
including kimonos, dolls, swords and postcards. Looks like reasonable prices, too. I haven't ordered from them yet, though. They are located in the US, by the way.
Jun Gifts 2/13/99 Lovely site, which sells some small, hard to find, Japanese items; also much info about Japanese culture :-)
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