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Study: Consumers still worried about COVID-19

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Food stores seen as health and wellness allies

Study: Consumers still worried about COVID-19

WASHINGTON — U.S. grocery shoppers remain concerned about COVID-19 seven months into the pandemic, according to a new study by Hartman Group and FMI — The Food Industry Association. But despite their worries, many say they are eating better and see their primary food stories as health and wellness allies.

The survey of 1,001 U.S. adults, conducted from October 1 to October 9, found that 62% of Americans describe themselves as either “very” or “extremely” concerned about COVID-19. That level of concern has remained unabated since July.

Most Americans (67%) also express some concerns about procuring food, including worries about food shortages (31%) and having enough money to pay for food (21%). On the plus side, far fewer Americans are now reporting many out-of-stocks in their stores (17% vs. 46% in March).

FMI has been conducting a series of online surveys since March to track how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the perceptions and behaviors of U.S. grocery shoppers. Some of the trends have been positive. Many Americans (35%) say they are enjoying eating more than they have since the beginning of the pandemic, and four times as many say they are eating healthier than say they are eating less healthy. And 62% of consumers say they believe their primary food store is helping them and their families stay safe and healthy. That compares to just 30% who say they see the federal government as being on their side in helping themselves and their families stay healthy.

The survey also found that consumers continue to rely on online channels for their grocery shopping needs. More Americans (59%) say they have shopped online for grocery items in the past month than have said so during any previous survey during the pandemic. Online channels continue to be responsible for a growing share (37.2%) of total grocery spend. The survey also found that the number of total purchases made online has increased from 3.6 per week to 4.9 per week. Shoppers rate their online experience as an eight out of 10, with the most common frustration they face is their preferred items being out of stock.

The latest report, along with previous COVID-19 trackers and the 2020 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report is available at www.FMI.org/GroceryTrends.

 

 


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