Feasibility and acceptability of internet grocery service in an urban food desert, Chicago, 2011-2012

Abstract

We explored the feasibility and acceptability of an Internet grocery service (IGS) as an approach to improving foodaccess in urban neighborhoods. In our pilot study, caregivers residing in a documented Chicago food desert (N = 34,79% ethnic minority) received a voucher to use a commercial IGS to purchase groceries for their household. Caregiversmost frequently purchased fruits, vegetables, meats, and caloric beverages, and endorsed 4 factors as potentiallyimportant determinants of future IGS use. IGS programs could have a role in improving urban food access if they havecompetitive prices, provide rapid delivery, and incorporate strategies to discourage purchasing of discretionary caloricbeverages.