Food Shopping Experiences Among Dollar Store Shoppers in Fresno and Boston During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVES: In this qualitative study, we examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motivations, decision-making, and food shopping among dollar store shoppers in Fresno, CA and Boston, MA. Eligible participants were ≥18 years old, lived in Boston or Fresno, spoke English or Spanish, and shopped at a dollar store within the past month. METHODS: Using convenience sampling, participants were recruited via flyers at 10 dollar stores in low-income neighborhoods in Fresno and Boston and posts in community Facebook groups. Interviews in Boston (n = 25) and Fresno (n = 26) were conducted remotely from August-December 2020. RESULTS: Our participants were primarily low-income, English-speaking women who shopped at dollar stores about once per week. Preliminary qualitative content analysis shows that key shopper motivations included low prices, product variety, and convenience. Shelf-stable foods and snacks were frequently purchased, especially for children. Shoppers in Fresno relied more on dollar stores for groceries and fresh produce, while Boston shoppers primarily purchased shelf-stable foods or snacks. Shoppers in both cities desired increased availability of fresh foods. Shoppers reported fear of shopping, limited stock, financial stress, and fewer trips early in the pandemic. Shopping increased by summer. Shoppers with children reported increased food expenditures during the pandemic, including at dollar stores, as closed schools meant that children consumed meals at home. CONCLUSIONS: Dollar stores continue to be an important food resource despite challenges related to the pandemic. Considering frequent use, food purchases, and desire for more fresh foods among shoppers, dollar stores chains may find a receptive audience for increasing their fresh food stock. FUNDING SOURCES: Ethical approval was provided by the Tufts University Social, Behavioral & Educational Research Institutional Review Board. Funding was provided by the Bergstrom Foundation and Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.