DETROIT—Recent findings from the University of Michigan indicate possible strategies to utilize grocery delivery systems to enhance food accessibility in Detroit, where 32% of the population resides a mile or more away from a full-service grocery establishment.
The study by the U-M Center for Racial Justice and Poverty Solutions is based on a survey of a representative cohort of Detroit inhabitants regarding their frequency of utilizing online grocery delivery services, perceived advantages of these services, and reasons for any lack of usage.
“An increasing number of individuals are opting for online grocery shopping rather than physical visits, and we aimed to explore whether grocery delivery could mitigate food insecurity or if it predominantly serves as a benefit for those who already possess reliable access to food,” stated Erykah Benson, a doctoral candidate in sociology and research associate at the Center for Racial Justice, who co-authored the research summary alongside Love Lundy, a U-M graduate student in public policy.
“The study illustrates that grocery delivery platforms are diminishing obstacles to food access, though challenges remain with regard to costs, usability of shopping applications, and the overall availability of delivery options for city residents.”
In total, 39% of Detroit residents reported having utilized online grocery delivery, with increased usage noted among those facing greater transportation difficulties and individuals receiving some form of food assistance. Numerous Detroiters with disabilities or significant health issues also indicated that these services aid them in acquiring essential food and products.
“During periods when I was unable to shop due to sickness, I frequently depended on deliveries,” recounted a 72-year-old participant in the survey, who indicated no issues related to transportation.
Among Detroiters facing more transportation-related challenges, 51% reported having used online grocery delivery, contrasted with 40% of those with minor transportation issues and 36% of residents who experienced no transportation challenges.
Among those receiving food assistance during the survey, conducted in November and December 2023, 44% indicated they had utilized online grocery delivery, as opposed to 34% of those not on food assistance, which includes support for women, infants, children, and pandemic-related food aid for kids who lost school meal access.
The majority of grocery stores in Detroit are independently operated rather than affiliated with larger regional or national chains, and only seven grocery establishments in Detroit accept food stamps for online grocery delivery.
Cost emerged as the most frequently cited barrier to utilizing online grocery delivery, especially among those experiencing greater transportation difficulties. Forty-five percent of Detroit residents, irrespective of their use of online grocery delivery, noted that the costs hindered their use of such services; this perception held true across all income levels. Furthermore, 44% of all residents indicated that confidence in the quality of delivery services was a constraining factor.
Detroiters with heightened transportation difficulties were notably more inclined to cite cost as a barrier to online grocery delivery (69%) compared to those with fewer transportation issues (50%) and those without any transportation challenges (37%).
“Policymakers could assist by ensuring food stamps remain eligible for online redemption and urging more businesses to take part in the online redemption initiative,” Lundy commented. “Reducing grocery delivery costs could enhance accessibility for individuals with transportation challenges who would gain the most from having their groceries delivered.”
The researchers also highlighted the potential for grocery stores to simplify their applications, noting that 23% of Detroiters with disabilities find delivery applications challenging to navigate, in contrast to 14% of those without disabilities.
“Online grocery delivery can add convenience, but its effectiveness may be curtailed, as many individuals prefer in-person shopping and view it as a social engagement,” Benson conveyed.