Shopping behaviors of low-income families during a 1-month period of time

Abstract

Objective: To explore food shopping behaviors among low-income families over the course of the month.

Design: Two researchers conducted 13 90-minute focus groups.

Setting: Two community organizations serving low-income populations and a university campus.

Participants: Low-income adults (n = 72) who were the primary household food shoppers and who had at least 1 child less than 18 years old.

Variables measured: Shopping behavior changes during 1 month.

Analysis: Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded independently by 2 researchers. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and participation in food assistance programs.

Results: Economics played a key role in participants' food shopping behaviors and influenced food availability throughout the month. To overcome economic barriers, participants used food and emergency assistance programs and engaged in menu planning, price matching, storing food, using credit cards, and receiving financial assistance from family members and/or neighbors.

Conclusions and implications: Low-income families made strategic decisions to maintain a food supply throughout the month. These results suggest limited economics throughout the month may hinder families' ability to consume a varied, nutrient-rich diet, which may have an impact on future health status.