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                                                                  Exhibit 23(a)


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated
May 15, 1997 in the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of
Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. for the registration of $150,000,000 of 8.875% Senior
Subordinated Notes, Series B due 2007.

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
August 28, 1997