Track: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Abstract

Food insecurity is a problem that should not be overlooked in America. In 2022, about 1.3 billion people were food insecure, an increase of 10% from the previous year. Food deserts, an area with low income and low access to nutritious foods, can be characterized by 5A’s: availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability, and acceptability. As more investments go into building infrastructure for population growth, the local food industry must expand for both current and new residents. One strategy to combat food deserts is to use the Internet and e-commerce like online food services can contribute to solving food insecurity. From Generation X to Millennials to Generation Z, the adoption of the Internet is rapid. However, these services have additional costs for the consumer. The goal of this research was to examine the current e-commerce solutions to food deserts in a local area and review the literature on how e-commerce can alleviate food deserts. Data was collected from published government and company sites. Results reveal Internet accessibility continues to be an issue for reliable e-commerce use. E-commerce can alleviate food deserts by reducing the cost for both consumers and businesses, accommodating various groups of people, and focusing on rural areas.