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Food waste: the local retail food environment may impact waste of households receiving food assistance
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Food waste: the local retail food environment may impact waste of households receiving food assistance

Vijaya Chebolu-Subramanian and Jennifer J. Quinlan
Waste Management Bulletin, v 4(3), 100341
Sep 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wmb.2026.100341
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url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wmb.2026.100341View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Food acquisition Food shopping Food waste Income levels Shopping choices SNAP U.S
Consumer food acquisition choices are influenced by income related differences in access to retail outlets across neighborhoods in the US. Research on the relationship between food acquisition choices and household food waste remains limited particularly among populations receiving food assistance. Using a nationwide survey (n = 818) of lower-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants this study examined how food acquisition choices relate to food waste. . The analysis considered traditional shopping choices such as supermarkets and supercenters as well as newer options of dollar stores, convenience stores, online and takeout. Respondents reported obtaining food instore (78.5%), takeout (36.8%), online (30.5%) and through charitable food systems (19.8%). Instore choices included shopping at supermarkets (77.8%), supercenters (61.5%), convenience stores (24.9%) and dollar stores (20.6%). Vegetables and fruit, milk, bread, and meat, the food categories most commonly wasted according to literature, were primarily obtained instore. Shopping instore and at supermarkets correlated with a decrease in food waste while convenience stores, takeout and online were associated with an increase in food waste. Exclusive online redemption of SNAP benefits was associated with increased food waste as compared to instore usage. This study provides new evidence on evolving food acquisition patterns among SNAP participants and their association with food waste. The findings suggest that the retail food environment may influence food waste behaviors, underscore the need for further research on the structural barriers SNAP households face in reducing waste and emphasize the importance of considering food waste in assessments of dietary quality and SNAP program effectiveness. . •Shopping at Supermarkets by SNAP recipients correlated with decreased food waste.•Convenience store shopping by SNAP recipients correlated with increased food waste.•Takeout/online food shopping by SNAP recipients resulted in increased food waste.•Increased access to supermarkets for low-income household may reduce food waste.

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