More than an Appetite for Convenience: Demographic Patterns in the Use of Grocery Delivery Services in Detroit, Michigan

Authors: Erykah Benson¹ and Love Lundy²

University of Michigan ¹Department of Sociology, ²Ford School of Public Policy

ABSTRACT

Between 2019 and 2020, grocery delivery services grew in popularity, offering convenience by making food easier and quicker to access without needing to travel. These services also present a potential tool to reduce food insecurity, especially for those facing transportation barriers. This study explores how grocery delivery relates to food access challenges in Detroit. We use data from the Detroit Metro Area Communities Study, a representative sample of Detroit (N = 1,844). Results show that grocery delivery use is linked to transportation insecurity and increased interest in digital platforms. Detroiters who received food assistance were more likely to report using grocery delivery. These findings underscore the importance of expanding grocery delivery technologies, particularly for SNAP recipients, and highlight the need for a multifaceted approach to improving access to fresh food.

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