From Aisles to Doorsteps: Is Grocery Delivery a Solution to Food Insecurity or a Perk for the Privileged?
Online grocery delivery services have the potential to significantly enhance food access for Detroit residents who face challenges in reaching grocery stores. In this report, we explore online grocery delivery usage patterns in Detroit, including breakdowns by age, income, gender, and transportation access. Our findings show that while online grocery delivery services enhance food access for some Detroiters, high costs prevent these services from reaching many Detroiters.
Key findings
- Online grocery delivery services are reducing barriers to food access. Detroiters who used online grocery delivery tended to experience more transportation challenges than those who did not use these services. They were also more likely to report having received some form of nutrition assistance.
- Many Detroiters with disabilities or major health challenges also mentioned that these services help them obtain the necessary food and essential products.
- While online grocery delivery services increased food access, many people still faced barriers to using it. Cost was the most frequently mentioned reason limiting the use of online grocery delivery, particularly among those facing more transportation challenges.
