EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. of our report dated May 16, 2003, included in the
2003 Annual Report to Shareholders of Marsh Supermarkets, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement
Number 33-33427 on Form S-8 of the Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. 1987 Stock Option
Plan, dated February 12, 1990; Registration Statement Number 33-56630 on Form
S-8 of the 1991 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, dated December 31, 1992;
Registration Statement Number 33-56624 on Form S-8 of the 1992 Stock Option Plan
for Outside Directors, dated December 31, 1992; Registration Statement Number
33-56626 on Form S-8 of the Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. 401(k) Plan, dated December
31, 1992; Registration Statement Number 333-64321 on Form S-8 of the Outside
Directors Stock Plan, the Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and
the Executive Stock Purchase Plan, dated September 25, 1998; Registration
Statement 333-64343 on Form S-8 of the Marsh Deferred Compensation Plan, dated
September 25, 1998; and Registration Statement 333-82908 on Form S-8 of the
Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, dated February 15, 2002; of
our report dated May 16, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Marsh
Supermarkets, Inc. for the year ended March 29, 2003.

                                                      Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
June 24, 2003