Feasibility of grocery delivery program to promote nutrition security for low-income households with children

Project Overview

Feasibility of an online-supported grocery box delivery program to promote nutrition security for diverse low-income households with children

To improve access of nutritious and affordable food for SNAP recipients, this project team explored the feasibility, barriers and enablers of an online grocery shopping system. 

Lack of nutritious and affordable food access among eligible recipients for the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a major public health concern. We hypothesized that an online grocery shopping and home delivery program could benefit low-income families. Leveraging existing online grocery technology, this pilot seeks to enhance nutrition security through a medically tailored grocery box delivery program. 

First, we gathered data to assess the potential barriers and enablers to participation in an online grocery shopping program. We then used this evidence to design a new pilot program to address nutrition insecurity among diverse low-income households with children, in coordination with Food is Medicine (FIM) in the Bronx, New York City. The Bronx was chosen because of its high poverty levels, chronic disease prevalence and ethnic diversity. The target population includes households with children under 10 who are at risk for food insecurity and which meet SNAP income criteria (incomes less than 130% of the federal poverty level). We plan to test this pilot in 2025. 

The Impacts

In completing interviews with 32 participants, we found that barriers to online food purchasing among participants include physiological and health conditions, the weight of food, technology, language, the price of foods, transportation challenges, the stigma associated with SNAP and concerns regarding the quantity and quality of foods. Facilitators include health and nutrition improvements, knowledge and skills, saving money, culturally relevant foods, increased efficiency in food purchases and preparation, and customization. Insights from this formative study emphasize the need for collaboration between different stakeholders to achieve program growth and sustainability. 

Our findings about the barriers and facilitators to online food purchasing among SNAP recipients has already made significant contributions, including informing modifications to the NY SNAP Express platform prior to its launch. The public can access a version of this program at: SNAP Express 

portrait of a man in a jacket and pink shirt in front of trees on the quad

Principal Investigator

Roger Figueroa

Project Details

  • Funding Source: Hatch
  • Statement Year: 2024
  • Status: Completed project
  • Topics: Youth & families, nutrition, food security

Cornell Unit

College of Human Ecology