Impact of food retail formats on household food waste: a comparison across income levels in the United States

Purpose Income influences the retail formats where households shop for food. Unclear, however, is whether differential access influences a person’s likelihood of wasting food. This research aimed to (1) examine the amount and types of food wasted at the household level across various socio-demographic factors in the United States, (2) explore the association between bulk purchases, access issues and food waste across income levels and (3) compare the influence of food retail choices on food waste across income levels. Design/methodology/approach A previously validated survey was modified and administered nationwide to n = 1,103 participants, with n = 574 from the general population and n = 529 from lower-income households. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and the ordered Probit model to study the association between waste and food shopping. Findings Food access challenges correlated with increased food waste for the lower-income population. Both increased age and income were associated with a decrease in food waste. Shopping at convenience stores and bulk buying both correlated with an increase in food waste across income levels. Internet food shopping correlated with a decrease in food waste for the lower-income population. Originality/value This work provides unique insights about the association between retail food access challenges and food waste, especially for lower-income households. Specifically, it found that decreased access correlated with increased food waste. It also found that online food shopping decreased food waste for low-income consumers. Results provide correlational data that justify the need for formative, behavioral theory-based qualitative research to understand challenges faced by lower-income households to reduce food waste.