Affiliation:
1. Harlem Bureau of Neighborhood Health, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
Abstract
Purpose To inform food retail interventions, this study explored food shopping strategies employed by people constrained by limited budgets but residing in an urban environment offering numerous retail options. Approach Qualitative study incorporating semi-structured interviews and shop-alongs. Setting East Harlem, New York City. Participants 37 East Harlem residents participated in interviews, of whom 15 participated in shop-alongs. Methods Interviews and shop-alongs were conducted in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Data from shop-alongs were used to supplement interview findings. Results Participants shopped 1-2 times at an average of 4 retail locations per week. Two key themes emerged: (1) planning trips and choosing venues; and (2) shopping experiences and perceptions of stores. Price was the primary driver of store choice, followed by product quality and variety. Substantial time was invested in shopping. Most English- and Spanish-speaking participants shopped in East Harlem. Chinese American participants shopped in Chinatown due to language concordance, availability of culturally-preferred foods, and proximity to other services. Conclusion East Harlem residents invested substantial planning, time and effort in food shopping to acquire sufficient food for their households on limited budgets. These findings offer insight into how residents interact with food environments and key drivers of decision-making about food shopping that affect decisions about where to shop and what to purchase.