Improving Food Access through Grocery Delivery for SNAP-Eligible Families in Memphis

Sep 19, 2026

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A research report evaluates how grocery delivery models can improve food access for SNAP-eligible families in South Memphis. The study examines the implications of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, documents gaps in retailer and client adoption, and analyzes socioeconomic context and food insecurity. Findings draw on a landscape review, literature synthesis, and a community survey assessing awareness, SNAP-EBT usage, perceived barriers, and opportunities such as app education and awareness campaigns. Recommendations focus on expanding access and reducing delivery-related obstacles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time14 min

AccessFree to download

Project Overview

Research Questions

Report Contents

Key Findings

Recommendations

Improving Food Access through Grocery Delivery for SNAP-Eligible Families in Memphis Author: Angelica Carey, Innovate Memphis Research Project Manager Project Overview This research was funded through Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation to assess the use and implications of grocery delivery service models in South Memphis for those receiving SNAP benefits. The focus of this research is South Memphis where many residents live near or below the poverty line and have historically experienced limited access to reliable transportation, disinvestment in housing and public infrastructure, and high rates of food insecurity with few full-service grocery stores nearby. Invested in identifying and promoting solutions for community issues, Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation saw an opportunity for the growing online grocery delivery model as a way to provide more reliable access to food for vulnerable families in the South Memphis community. In 2019, USDA launched an online purchasing pilot program that enabled grocery and retail stores to accept SNAP-EBT online for delivered groceries, either through their own mobile applications or through third-party delivery services like Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon. Because SNAP often serves working families with children, people with disabilities, and aging residents with limited mobility, home grocery delivery is a promising option to provide more Memphis residents with healthy, complete meals. Delivery services also have the potential to increase revenue and sales for nearby grocers that want to serve the South Memphis customer base while allowing residents to stay in their current communities and get the food they need. Research Questions The original questions for this research are below: 1. What are the gaps in the grocery delivery model using SNAP dollars? a. What retailers and delivery services still do not currently accept SNAP as payment for grocery delivery? What are their potential barriers to entry? b. What are the barriers that prevent SNAP clients from utilizing grocery delivery (awareness, technology, stigma, delivery fees, etc.)? c. Are there models for subsidizing non-eligible costs such as delivery fees that are not covered by SNAP? 2. What is the rate of online and mobile grocery delivery use in Shelby County, and what percentage of deliveries are using SNAP-EBT as form of payment? 3. To what extent are SNAP households aware and using grocery delivery services? Are there innovative ways to improve customer access to food through this type of model? Report Contents This report starts with a review of Shelby County and South Memphis socioeconomic statistics including food security to understand the scope of the problem. Next is an overview of the rise of online grocery and delivery services and the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, which first allowed retailers to accept SNAP and create nutrition and pricing incentives for eligible customers. The research included a landscape analysis of national and local retailers that participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program in Memphis along with those that do not. We also conducted a literature review to assess barriers, incentives, and peer city models of success of online grocery delivery for SNAP recipients. Due to challenges reaching upper management of online retailers, we were unable to obtain data for use of online and mobile grocery delivery services at the local level, but we are able to report some national trend data. The remainder of the report covers the methodology and results of the community survey research conducted in South Memphis. We were interested in grounding past research with community results, and through a mix of tabling at public spaces and leveraging South Memphis community partners, we distributed an online survey to residents. A sample of South Memphis residents shared their online grocery use habits, the impact of these services on their food security, and ideas for increasing usag

FAQs

What problem does the report aim to address in South Memphis?

The report focuses on limited access to reliable transportation, disinvestment, and high food insecurity, alongside few full-service grocery stores nearby for residents receiving SNAP benefits.

Which survey results describe awareness and SNAP online delivery usage?

It reports that 78% of respondents were aware of online delivery generally, 58% knew they could use SNAP with online delivery, and 34% had used SNAP with online delivery.

What barriers did South Memphis residents cite for not using online grocery delivery more often?

Respondents most commonly cited additional costs beyond food, including membership and delivery fees, tips, and taxes.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Aria