Household Grocery Shopping Destination Allocation: Have Local Stores Caught on with the Rise of Local Foods?

Locavorism and the Local Food Movement have captured attention of consumers, production suppliers and academic researchers. Local food advocates emphasize the benefits of locally grown food from fresher to better tastes and to more energy efficient due to shorter transportation distance. However, limited studies have been done about household grocery purchase allocations in the awakening of local food, especially for individuals who stick with the “locavore” principle. Through a recent survey conducted in Ohio, this study found that mainstream food suppliers (national grocery chains or retailers) still claim most market shares, however, locally owned food stores and farmers’ markets are gaining popularity. The study also found that education attainment and household income were positively correlated with grocery trips to specialty stores.