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Characterization of the shopping preferences and needs of low-income consumers living in food deserts
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Characterization of the shopping preferences and needs of low-income consumers living in food deserts

Samantha Mogil, Evanah Hill and Jennifer Quinlan
British food journal (1966)
30 Nov 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-04-2021-0423
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Agricultural Economics & Policy Agriculture Food Science & Technology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology
Purpose Lack of access to supermarkets and fresh produce continues to be a problem for low income consumers in many countries. The purpose of this research was to identify the shopping preferences and needs of such consumers in the Eastern U.S. Additionally, the research sought to determine the interest and preferences of low income consumers in a mobile grocery intervention which would provide neighborhoods with a consistent, convenient shopping experience. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods approach included conducting focus groups in low-income neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. and a quantitative survey (n = 202) administered via Survey Monkey to low-income consumers. Thematic analysis was conducted on focus group data and surveys were administered and analyzed to assess applicability of themes identified to consumers over a larger geographic area. Findings Results indicated that consumers in food desert neighborhoods reported an interest in purchasing a wide range of food staples, household goods, and personal items from any shopping intervention. Participants indicated a need for a more convenient overall shopping experience for a range of foods and goods in addition to fresh food choices. Findings indicate that mobile interventions to increase food access may benefit from expanding products available through the intervention beyond fresh produce and perishable goods. Originality/value This research explored purchasing preferences with low income consumers living in food deserts. It identifies products and goods they would prefer to see in an intervention to increase food access and is unique in that it explores the wants and preferences of consumers living in food deserts.

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22 Record Views
3 citations in Web of Science
2 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

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Web of Science research areas
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Food Science & Technology
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