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Food Delivery Apps and Their Potential to Address Food Insecurity in Older Adults: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Sangchul Hwang

    (Ingram School of Engineering, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Cassandra M. Johnson

    (Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Joni Charles

    (Department of Finance and Economics, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

  • Lesli Biediger-Friedman

    (Nutrition and Foods Program, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

Abstract

The proportion of older adults is increasing globally, yet many of them experience food insecurity. Technological innovations, such as increased access to internet- and mobile-based food delivery apps (FDAs), may help mitigate food insecurity. However, this topic has been understudied. This scoping review searched for publications and online technical reports from around the world using interdisciplinary databases like ScienceDirect and internet sources like government websites, respectively. Eligible references were published recently (2019–present) and focused on general technology use, including apps, among older adults (≥50 years) or FDAs for food insecurity or nutritional health generally or specifically among older adults. The search identified 19 studies from 10 countries and extracted relevant information for summary tables. A limited number of studies supported the idea that FDAs can help address food insecurity, but there are important equity considerations for older adults living in rural areas or with constrained physical abilities. Consistently, customized app features and functions increased the intention to use FDAs. In addition, FDAs may have health and environmental impacts, such as food waste and increased access or promotion of ultraprocessed foods. Additional research is needed to elucidate the potential of FDAs to address food insecurity generally and specifically among older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Sangchul Hwang & Cassandra M. Johnson & Joni Charles & Lesli Biediger-Friedman, 2024. "Food Delivery Apps and Their Potential to Address Food Insecurity in Older Adults: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1197-:d:1475279
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kaplan, Marcella & Hotle, Susan & Heaslip, Kevin, 2023. "How has COVID-19 impacted customer perceptions and demand for delivery services: An exploratory analysis," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 217-230.
    2. Janette Leroux & Kathryn Morrison & Mark Rosenberg, 2018. "Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity among Older People in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, November.
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