Online Grocery Shopping Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors

The purpose of this qualitative study was 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. The study used a purposive recruitment strategy to conduct 4 1-hour focus groups with SNAP recipients in Las Cruces, NM. SNAP recipients in this study have not adopted online grocery shopping for various reasons, including 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. Additional research could inform policy by investigating which participants would benefit from using SNAP benefits online and strategies for facilitating use.