An equity-oriented systematic review of online grocery shopping among low-income populations: implications for policy and research

Abstract

Context Online grocery services are an emerging component of the food system with the potential to address disparities in access to healthy food. Objective We assessed the barriers and facilitators of equitable access to healthy foods in the online grocery environment, and the psychosocial, purchasing, and dietary behaviors related to its use among low-income, diverse populations. Data Sources Four electronic databases were searched to identify relevant literature; 16 studies were identified. Results Barriers to equitable access to healthy food included cost and limited availability of online grocery services in food deserts and rural areas. The expansion of online grocery services and the ability to use nutrition assistance benefits online were equity-promoting factors. Perceived low control over food selection was a psychosocial factor that discouraged online grocery use, whereas convenience and lower perceived stress were facilitators. Findings were mixed regarding healthfulness of foods purchased online. Although few studies assessed diet, healthy food consumption was associated with online grocery use. Conclusion Researchers should assess the impact of online grocery shopping on low-income families’ food purchases and diet. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD: 42021240277

Age-Specific Differences in Online Grocery Shopping Behaviors and Attitudes among Adults with Low Income in the United States in 2021

“…We found that a little over half of the participants with lower income reported shopping online for groceries at least once in the previous 12 months, which is higher than the frequency estimates published prior to the pandemic [ 14 , 19 , 23 ] but similar to more recent estimates collected during the pandemic [ 13 ], which might reflect a combination of a surge in online shopping during the lockdown and the expansion of the SNAP OPP program in 2020–2021. A third of the sample reported that the lack of social interaction discouraged them from ever shopping online, which is consistent with previous work [ 12 ] and also suggests that for some, especially older adults, online grocery shopping is not a suitable replacement for in-store shopping.…”

“…A recent review study highlighted several reasons for the low uptake of online grocery shopping among those with low income, including high cost and lack of control over food selection, lack of social interaction, and lack of interest [ 12 ]. Several benefits were also reported, such as lower stress, saving time, and fewer impulse purchases than in-store shopping.…”

“…We examined the extent to which the frequency of online grocery shopping differed by age and other sociodemographic characteristics and the frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. Given that younger (vs. older) individuals are more likely to use the internet and shop online [ 12 ], we also examined whether other behaviors and attitudes related to online grocery shopping differed by age.…”

“I Think That’s the Most Beneficial Change That WIC Has Made in a Really Long Time”: Perceptions and Awareness of an Increase in the WIC Cash Value Benefit

“…We found that rural participants reported CVB and WIC use barriers such as unclear labeling, issues with the BNFT app, and a desire for self-checkout or online shopping. Others described the potential promise of online grocery shopping to alleviate food access issues in rural areas [ 73 , 74 ], but there continues to be low availability of online grocery options in rural areas compared to urban areas [ 75 , 76 ]. WIC is slated to be approved for online grocery shopping in the near future [ 77 ], so particular attention should be paid to uptake in rural communities.…”

“I Think That’s the Most Beneficial Change That WIC Has Made in a Really Long Time”: Perceptions and Awareness of an Increase in the WIC Cash Value Benefit

“…We found that rural participants reported CVB and WIC use barriers like unclear labeling, issues with the BNFT app, and desire for self-checkout or online shopping. Others have described the potential promise of online grocery shopping to alleviate food access issues in rural areas [71,72], but there continues to be low availability of online grocery options in rural areas compared to urban areas [73,74]. WIC is slated to be approved for online grocery shopping in the near future [75], so particular attention should be paid to uptake in rural communities.…”