With the pandemic providing the impetus, the USDA made online shopping available to SNAP recipients in 49 states and the District of Columbia, with Alaska the only exception. Now researchers have found that online SNAP shoppers are far less likely to buy fresh produce, meat or seafood than if they went to supermarkets, but they also cut back on candy, cookies and cake, according to a new study.
“Online grocery shopping is a promising tool to reduce issues of food access but our study shows this might be leading to reduced purchases of healthy foods, driven in part by uncertainty and distrust in how those products are selected,” said the lead author of the study, assistant professor Angela Trude of New York University.
The study, based on 310 Maryland families, also found that food selection and fees were the biggest barriers to buying groceries over the internet. Stores often charge delivery fees, which are not covered by SNAP.
SNAP shoppers were 70 percent less likely to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood online, compared to shopping in the store. “The meats and produce worry me sometimes because you don’t know what they are going to pick out,” said one online shopper quoted in the study. “But I haven’t had any issues at all, having people bring meat or produce, thank goodness, but it is still a little worrisome.”
Shoppers also were 49 percent less likely to buy sweets online. Participants said it was easier to avoid impulse purchases and pressure from their children for a treat.
Families with experience in internet shopping were more likely to be satisfied with purchasing groceries online and perceived fewer barriers, said the researchers. “Additional barriers remain to effectively promote equitable food access, such as decreasing delivery fees and improving the online food selection process so families with limited access to healthy food can make the best use of online grocery services.”
Although online shopping with SNAP benefits is available in almost every state, participating grocers may not be located near a SNAP recipient. The USDA said more than 1 million of the 22 million SNAP households shopped online during September 2020, when the option was available in 46 states and DC. The study of Maryland shoppers was conducted from November 2020-March 2021.