(P08-022-24) Grocery Carts: NOVA Classification Analysis of Household Grocery Receipts From SNAP-Eligible Households

Objectives: Most US households procure food at supermarkets with purchases accounting for over half the household food budget and 65% of calories consumed at home. Thus, this study aimed to investigate food purchasing behavior among households of low-income eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) utilizing the NOVA classification system.

Methods: Participants included 59 adult caregivers eligible for SNAP recruited from Head Start centers in the Bronx, NY, in 2022. Households shared at least two itemized grocery shopping receipts. Receipt items were categorized into food groups. For each item category, average total expenditure, and average % of total expenditure were calculated. Food purchases were classified using the four groups in the NOVA classification system to analyze the degree of processing. Ultra-processed foods (UPF) included sweets, sugary drinks, juice, chips, baby food, prepared meals (frozen meals), and refined grains. Processed foods included dairy, canned legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Processed culinary ingredients included seasonings, oils, and other condiments. Minimally or unprocessed including eggs, water, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Descriptive analyses, including mean, median, and range, were conducted to explore expenditure patterns within each food category.

Results: The study cohort, predominantly comprised female participants (93%) aged 20-39 years (81%) identifying as Hispanic (78%), and enrolled in SNAP (78%). The average total expenditure on food was $65.1. Expenditure of UPF accounted for a median of $12.40 (range $0-203.35), representing 32.5% of the average total spent. Processed foods [median = $6 (r $0-44.51)], accounted for 17.5% of the average total spent. Processed culinary ingredients [median = $1.48 (range $0-44.2)], represented 7.39% of the average total spent. Minimally or unprocessed foods [median = $17.87 (range $2-184)] accounted for 43.7% of the average total spent.

Conclusions: Half of the household grocery purchases for families of low-income comprised of UPF and processed foods. There is a need for targeted interventions and policies to support the purchase of minimally processed and processed culinary ingredients while discouraging the purchase of UPF and processed foods.

Funding Sources: Institute of Human Development and Social Change at New York University