Search Results (4)

Grocery shopping is an integral part of everyday life in every household. Due to the increasing decline in the number of grocery stores, it is difficult to find grocery shops close to home, especially in rural areas. For certain population groups, such as older people and/or people with limited mobility, people living alone and single parents, as well as households without a car, it is difficult to get groceries within walking distance. In addition, the gaps in local supply also mean a decline in the quality of life of the affected population. This study addresses the question of what role small rural grocery stores play in the shopping behavior of residents of rural areas and how they rate them. Using a quantitative consumer survey (n = 238), the shopping behavior and relationship to five sites in the Main-Spessart region of Bavaria, Germany were analyzed. The surveyed customers visit the rural stores several times a week (57.1%), especially for necessities (62.2%) and weekly shopping (13.1%). The product range (including fresh products), proximity to the place of residence, as well as the social function are most valued. Four different customer types were identified: the Uninvolved (35.6%), the Supporters (15.5%), the Motivated (25.8%) and the Socials (23.2%). The study shows that small rural grocery stores can contribute significantly to the food supply in poorly supplied areas. The degree of use varies depending on the individual life circumstances and needs. Using the location as a place for social exchange is a very relevant factor (60.5%). The targeted use of the store as a social meeting place is highly dependent on the additional infrastructure provided (e.g., a café corner). These results can help decision-makers to gain a better understanding of the users and consequently to better assess potentials of small rural grocery stores. Full article

The aim of the research was to analyze consumer behavior regarding changes in the place where the food was purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and changes in the frequency of food purchases in specified retail outlets was presented. Different consumer reactions to the threats and restrictions that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic were found. Gender had a statistically significant impact on the changes in the place of purchase in the case of supermarkets and discount stores. Women were reported to be more cautious about the risks associated with shopping in supermarkets and discount stores. Age had a statistically significant impact on the frequency of grocery shopping in small local/rural stores, in medium-sized self-service stores, in supermarkets and in discount stores. Among the group of respondents aged 46 and over, greater trust in larger commercial units was observed. Education had a statistically significant impact on the frequency of shopping for groceries only in supermarkets. In turn, the place of residence had a statistically significant impact on the change in the frequency of making purchases in medium-sized self-service stores and discount stores. The results of our own research are not unambiguous, but they indicate certain tendencies in the perception of health safety when shopping among various social groups. Full article

Alternative food networks (AFNs) have emerged in response to the conventional industrial food system, which distances and detaches food production from food consumption. Food cooperatives are representative of AFNs where relationships between food producers and consumers are reconfigured. This study examines household food cooperative membership and changes in food purchase behavior using household panel data gathered by the Rural Development Administration of Korea. In particular, it aims to provide insight into the effect of AFNs on consumer food purchase behavior, including expenditure per food category and visit frequency ratio per store format. The ordinary least squares regression model was used. The findings show that depending on the ownership of AFNs, expenditure per food category and visit frequency ratio per store format vary. Food cooperative members tend to purchase less processed food and more fresh vegetables and fruits than nonmembers. Moreover, food cooperative membership significantly influences the decrease in visits to small supermarkets and traditional markets when purchasing groceries. Full article

This study examined the practices, personal motivation, and barriers of African American communities in Mississippi regarding their dietary practices. We selected the Metro Jackson Area comprised of Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties because it is a combination of urban and rural communities. The sample consisted of 70 participants from seven sites. A total of seven focus groups responded to six questions to assess practices, personal motivation, and barriers to dietary practices: (1) Where in your community can you access fresh fruits and vegetables? (2) How many meals a day should a person eat? (3) What would you consider to be a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner? (4) What would you consider to be a healthy snack? (5) What do you consider to be your motivations for eating healthy? (6) What do you consider to be your barriers to eating healthy? Each of the seven focus groups consisted of 6 to 12 participants and provided details of their dietary practices. The focus group interviews were digitally‐recorded. The recorded interviews were transcribed. The majority of the participants stated that there is a limited availability of fresh fruits/vegetables in rural areas because of a shortage of grocery stores. When they do find fruits, they are priced very high and are unaffordable. Even though health conditions dictate food frequency and portion size, community members feel that individuals should eat three good balanced meals per day with snacks, and they should adhere to small portion sizes. While the desire to attain overall good health and eliminate associative risks for heart disease (e.g., diabetes, obesity) are personal motivations, the cost of food, transportation, age, and time required for food preparation were seen as barriers to healthy eating. Decisions regarding meal choice and meal frequency can have an impact on long‐term health outcomes. Health promotion programs should become an integral part of academic‐ community collaborative agreements. Full article