title: Shopping behaviors of low-income families during a 1-month period of time.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore food shopping behaviors among low-income families over the course of the month.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two researchers conducted 13 90-minute focus groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two community organizations serving low-income populations and a university campus.
  
  
  METHODS
  Low-income adults (n = 72) who were the primary household food shoppers and who had at least 1 child less than 18 years old.
  
  
  METHODS
  Shopping behavior changes during 1 month.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded independently by 2 researchers. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and participation in food assistance programs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Economics played a key role in participants' food shopping behaviors and influenced food availability throughout the month. To overcome economic barriers, participants used food and emergency assistance programs and engaged in menu planning, price matching, storing food, using credit cards, and receiving financial assistance from family members and/or neighbors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-income families made strategic decisions to maintain a food supply throughout the month. These results suggest limited economics throughout the month may hinder families' ability to consume a varied, nutrient-rich diet, which may have an impact on future health status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Darko
authors.forename: Dennis L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Eggett
authors.forename: Rickelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003132:Commerce / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008612:Menu Planning; D011203:Poverty; D011632:Public Assistance; D055815:Young Adult