I think there are at least a couple of grocery stores within walking distance downtown. @roch and @naturegirl5 may have better suggestions. I like the People's Food Co-op which is not too far of a walk unless you have to carry something heavy. Another one is the Eagle Store which is I think the closest.

People's Food Co-op - http://www.pfc.coop/
Eagle Store - https://www.eaglestorerochestermn.com/

@phoebeghostwriter,

There is no large grocery store downtown. John mention Eagle Store - which is drug store with little bit of everything. People Coop is a bit far to walk in cold weather, more expensive then other grocery stores. Has a deli and some pre packaged foods to take and eat.

You might want to ask at hotel front desk about delivery options.

HyVee is the major grocery store in Rochester, there are 4 locations. Hy Vee Barlows is closest to downtown, but not walking distance. HyVee West Circle is farthest from downtown, but biggest.
You can order online and have delivered, $30 minimum and charge of 9.95
You need to create an account. Not sure if all stores do delivery, the web site can tell you the options. For more info see https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online

Walmart and Target carry groceries, but both are located on edges of town.

The other option is Silver Lake foods. Located 2.5 miles from downtown on north broadway, has deli and variety of pre-made food in fridge case by deli that you can reheat in microwave.

Laurie

Hi, @johnbishop had great ideas for grocery stores. There is also a Fresh Thyme store about 3/4 west of the clinic. However your best bet if you don’t want to walk or take an Uber is have the groceries delivered.
Hi-Vee grocery has delivery.
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/Detail.aspx?s=143
Mayo doesn’t have a food store but there is a cafeteria off the Gonda foyer. It’s one of the main buildings you’ll be passing through daily. You could grab food to go.

Also, there are no shortage of great restaurants in Rochester and most have delivery available.
Some of the restaurants and the mall with a food court, are also connected via the Subway system (the tunnels) to the clinic so you’re not walking outside.
Many of the hotels are equipped for long term stays with kitchens or kitchenettes with a refrigerator, stove and or microwave.

I see you’re staying at the Kahler so you’re very close to several of the restaurants.
As you can tell, a lot of us are familiar with staying near the Clinic so don’t hesitate to keep asking those questions! ☺️ You’ll be a pro by the end of your visit.

Hello @phoebeghostwriter. There are some very small stores near where you are staying but they do not carry much. People's Co-op is the closest full service grocery store near you. The Co-Op is 1/2 mile from your hotel on 6th St. SW and Broadway. It's an easy walk so long as you aren't carrying heavy bags of groceries. Actually, the Co-Op was where I go most often. I see others suggest the Hy-Vee Grocery Store. This is the big grocery store (several locations) in Rochester. The closest Hy-Vee to Mayo Clinic is on Civic Center Drive and 6th St. NW - too far to walk but they do deliver or you can pick up curb-side. Ask for a map of the local area at the Kahler Inn.
https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=146
I was in Rochester for 6 weeks and stayed in a long-term apartment. I had my own car. Even so, I had lunch in the Mayo Clinic Café at least 2 or 3 times a week. The meals are nutritious , tasty, and very affordable. It really is the safest (in terms of COVID) place to eat in a cafe in Rochester in my opinion. I spent on average $7.00 for myself. This was my "treat" to myself after radiation therapy. There is a Caribou Coffee place right in your hotel. There aren't any grocery stores in Mayo Clinic but you can pick up sandwiches and small items in the Gonda Gift Shop (there's a small café there).

You'll find everyone at Mayo Clinic to be very helpful. Ask anyone there for directions within the Clinic and if you look the least bit confused someone will stop and ask if you need help.

I hope your flights are on time and your appointments at Mayo go well.