The Understanding Convenience Equity in Low-Income, Low-Access Communities Report

The Understanding Convenience Equity in Low-Income, Low-Access Communities report examines how online grocery ordering and delivery can help reduce the time, cost, and logistical burdens families face in accessing healthy food. Residents in low-income, low-access (LILA) communities often have limited nearby grocery options and face significant transportation and financial challenges. While online ordering and pickup have transformed grocery shopping for many Americans, these services have yet to be fully leveraged to address the realities in LILA communities.
    
Through focus groups and interviews with community members, the report uncovers key insights into consumer behaviors, perceptions and barriers that influence the use of online grocery services. Findings reveal common obstacles such as delivery fees, uncertainty about food quality, and limited comfort with technology, alongside benefits like time savings, cost control and the convenience of grocery pickup. The analysis points to opportunities for targeted messaging, culturally relevant outreach and improved service design to increase adoption, particularly among parents and older adults.

By elevating the voices of LILA community members, this research offers actionable recommendations for building greater convenience equity, ensuring all families can access groceries in ways that fit their needs and circumstances. Strengthening these services can help reduce hunger, improve nutrition and create a more equitable food access system for communities nationwide.

This report was produced in partnership with the Walmart Foundation.