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Research Brief| Volume 52, ISSUE 5, P539-545, May 2020

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Online Grocery Shopping Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among SNAP Participants

Published:December 20, 2019DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2019.11.015

      Abstract

      Objective

      To inform policy proposals to allow online grocery shopping with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by examining relevant behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of SNAP recipients.

      Methods

      This qualitative study used a purposive recruitment strategy to conduct 4 1-hour focus groups in Las Cruces, NM. Participants were SNAP recipients who do the grocery shopping for their families. Focus groups were video and audio recorded, transcribed, and coded.

      Results

      Few participants had shopped for groceries online, and participants were generally uninterested in grocery shopping online. Identified barriers were cost, quality control for perishable foods in particular, and distrust of the overall process. Participants expressed interest in suggested services aimed at increasing the benefits of shopping online.

      Conclusions and Implications

      SNAP recipients in this study have not adopted online grocery shopping for various reasons. Additional research could inform policy by investigating which participants would benefit from using SNAP benefits online and strategies for facilitating use.

      Key Words

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