Table 3. Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Data From Focus Groups on Food Insecurity, Chelsea, Massachusetts, 2009–2013.

Theme	Related Quotes
Attitude and knowledge about food	• I would like to buy more vegetables. (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2 group) • My husband is Spanish and we have to have a decent meal at night, he deserves at least a good meal at night. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Seasonal food is beneficial to taste. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group)
Economic issues	• It’s cheaper to buy in Wendy’s . . . the salad. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Middle class disappeared. . . . I used to have a good earning job. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • [I] find social security a blessing. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Food stamp is very little. . . . I don’t think I can get anything else (than food). (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • I will eat before paying bills. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Finances are the main barrier to eat healthy. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • Junk food is cheaper. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • [I am] dissatisfied with social security: when it comes out . . . how often a check is cut. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group)
Food access	• Pantries give unhealthy foods. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Those without personal transportation go to closest supermarket even if it’s very crowded and the lines are very long, to save money. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • Farmers market during other time of year is great. Much cheaper, fresher, and you get variety. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • Beginning of the month eat better than end of the month. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • Insufficient access to/from supermarket. . . . Could benefit from shuttle services. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group)
Food practices	• Hard to plan out one month’s food. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • [I] buy meat in bulk and freeze it to save money. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • [I have] no time for cooking. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • [I] dilute milk with water to extend it. (BMI >30 kg/m2 group) • [I am] aware that can go overboard with food like eating too many cookies. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • My daughter-in-law knows how to use herbs for spices. . . . You need to match herbs with different food. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • I calculate the portion to cook and extend to next day. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group) • Sometimes stuff is pricey and we have to keep a budget. (BMI ≤30 kg/m2 group)