EXHIBIT 23.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-54487) pertaining to the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan of Nash Finch
Company, Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 33-64313 and No. 333-51512)
pertaining to the 1995 Director Stock Option Plan of Nash Finch Company,
Registration Statements (Forms S-8 No. 333-27563 and No. 333-63756) pertaining
to the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan, and Registration
Statements (Forms S-8 No. 333-81441 and No. 333-63754) pertaining to the Nash
Finch Company 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-51506) pertaining to the Non-Plan Stock Option of Nash Finch
Company, and Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-51508) pertaining to the
2000 Stock Incentive Plan of Nash Finch Company, of our report dated February
20, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Nash Finch Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 29, 2001.

Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 6, 2002