Buying Groceries Online: A New Way for Low-Income Families During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Maryland allowed online purchases using benefits. This change occurred in May 2020. Researchers wanted to find out how this affected grocery shopping habits and future plans among low-income families. They focused on how many people used this new online option and if they intended to keep using it. The study didn’t just look at what happened, but also why families made these choices and how they felt about shopping online. SNAP is a program that helps low-income households buy food. Before the pandemic, SNAP benefits could only be used in physical stores. The pandemic changed that. Now, people could use their benefits to buy groceries online. This shift was part of a pilot program called the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot (OPP). Researchers were interested in understanding how this change was being used and what people thought about it. The study found that many families tried online shopping during the pandemic. This was likely because it was safer and more convenient. However, not everyone was comfortable with the idea. Some families still preferred going to the store in person. The researchers also looked at what types of families were more likely to use online shopping. For example, families with internet access at home were more likely to try it. The study didn’t just look at what happened during the pandemic. It also asked families if they planned to keep using online shopping in the future. Some families said they would, especially if the process was easy and they could get the foods they liked. Others said they might try it again but weren’t sure. The study showed that online shopping could be a helpful option for low-income families, but it might not be the best choice for everyone. The pandemic has changed many things, including how we buy groceries. For low-income families, the option to use SNAP benefits online could be a big help. But it’s important to think about who is most likely to use this option and why. This can help make sure that all families have access to the foods they need.