Comparing shopper characteristics by online grocery ordering use among households in low-income communities in Maine

Objective: Online grocery shopping could improve access to healthy food, but it may not be equally accessible to all populations - especially those at higher risk for food insecurity. The current study aimed to compare the socio-demographic characteristics of families who ordered groceries online v. those who only shopped in-store. Design: We analysed enrollment survey and 44 weeks of individually linked grocery transaction data. We used univariate chi (2) and t-tests and logistic regression to assess differences in socio-demographic characteristics between households that only shopped in-store and those that shopped online with curbside pickup (online only or online and in-store). Setting: Two Maine supermarkets. Participants: 863 parents or caregivers of children under 18 years old enrolled in two fruit and vegetable incentive trials. Results: Participants had a total of 32 757 transactions. In univariate assessments, online shoppers had higher incomes (P < 0 0001), were less likely to participate in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; P < 0 0001) and were more likely to be female (P = 0 center dot 04). Most online shoppers were 30-39 years old, and few were 50 years or older (P = 0 center dot 003). After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, number of children, number of adults, income and SNAP participation, female primary shoppers (OR = 2 center dot 75, P = 0 center dot 003), number of children (OR = 1 center dot 27, P = 0 center dot 04) and income (OR = 3 center dot 91 for 186-300 % federal poverty line (FPL) and OR = 6 center dot 92 for >300 % FPL, P < 0 center dot 0001) were significantly associated with likelihood of shopping online. Conclusions: In the current study of Maine families, low-income shoppers were significantly less likely to utilise online grocery ordering with curbside pickup. Future studies could focus on elucidating barriers and developing strategies to improve access.

Automated summary

The study found that low-income shoppers in Maine were significantly less likely to use online grocery ordering with curbside pickup. Future research could focus on identifying barriers and developing strategies to improve access.