How do spatial factors affect On-Demand Food Delivery usage among urban residents? Evidence from Singapore

Abstract

This research addresses the interplay between spatial factors and consumers' on-demand food delivery (ODFD) usage with special attention to three aspects: (1) the contextualization of spatial food environments, whereby different spatial measurements (food accessibility vs. food presence) and zone definitions are compared to select the appropriate variables. Also, the study is not confined to dining opportunities at residential locations, while individuals' daily activities are considered; (2) the heterogeneity across contexts, namely home-based and non-home-based usage; (3) the nonlinear effects of demographic profiles. With data collected in Singapore, this study examines the effects of spatial food environment, built environment, and demographic attributes on ODFD frequency. The results indicate a negative association between offline food access and ODFD usage frequency while such relationships are heterogeneous across usage contexts. Meanwhile, a negative association between neighborhood walkability and ODFD usage is also observed though the relationship is modest. Regarding the demographic profiles, the significant effects of age, household income, education levels, household size, and gender are noted with nonlinear patterns and heterogeneity across usage contexts.