Research conducted by scholars from the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute along with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger examines how viable and acceptable a "Digital Choice" approach would be for an urban food bank in New York City.
For the study , now released in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior The researchers organized focus groups involving 30 customers, carried out surveys with 326 customers, and also had interviews with eight staff members regarding a service that lets customers place advance orders for one of four types of food boxes through text messages, intended for collection from local sites.
The study indicated strong customer approval of the Digital Choice initiative (with 96% giving positive feedback) and confirmed that the staff could feasibly manage this system within the present scope. Customers deemed the option to select their preferred food items as the top priority (81% considered it very or extremely crucial), closely trailed by rapid collection times (77%), and uncomplicated procedures (75%).
Although beneficial for numerous participants, accessing technology posed difficulties for others, as 40% of respondents reported issues related to technology use.
"Integrating digital technologies to enhance customer choices and collaborating with local community centers is viable and well-received by many—but not all—food pantry clients,” states Associate Professor Nevin Cohen, who led the study. “To cater to various preferences and requirements, food banks should consider providing several service options.”
Food pantries have leveraged technology for various tasks including communication, managing supplies and inventory, and coordinating volunteers," explains Ph.D. candidate Yvette Ng, who serves as a research fellow at the institute and is the lead author of this study. "Our findings indicate that incorporating online ordering systems and similar technologies into client order processes can be smoothly implemented.
As the food industry grows more digitized through platforms such as online groceries and apps, food access programs can utilize these technological advancements to elevate user satisfaction," states Katherine Tomaino Fraser, the institute’s director of evaluation and co-author of the research. "Technological aids like advance ordering can simplify distribution, expand options, and provide a more respectful and effective approach to offering food aid to those in need.
More information: Yvette Ng and colleagues evaluated a pilot program aimed at using digital technology to enhance choice for food pantry clients in their study titled "Using Digital Technology to Enhance Selection Options for Food Bank Patrons: Assessment of a Trial Initiative." Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2025.02.011
Furnished by The City University of New York
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