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Post-lockdown changes in diet in Italy and the USA: Return to old habits or structural changes?
Gabriele Scozzafava1, Caterina Contini1, Francesca Gerini1
1Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry - DAGRI, University of Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy.
Agricultural and Food Economics
|October 21, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic altered food consumption habits, with varied responses observed in the USA and Italy post-lockdown. Diet quality declined in the USA, but improved for some in Italy, highlighting the need for targeted dietary interventions.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns significantly impacted global food consumption patterns.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for public health and nutrition policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the effects of the initial COVID-19 lockdown on food consumption in New York State (USA) and Italy.
- To identify distinct behavioral models of food consumption response to lockdown measures.
- To assess changes in diet quality concerning healthiness and sustainability.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of food consumption data collected in spring 2020.
- Categorization of individuals into three response models based on changes in food intake.
- Statistical profiling using sociodemographic, motivational, and behavioral variables.
Main Results:
- Three distinct food consumption response models were identified in both countries: increased consumption (40%), responsible behavior (26%), and no change (34%).
- Diet quality, in terms of healthiness and sustainability, decreased in the USA.
- Approximately one-third of the Italian sample exhibited improvements in diet quality.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 lockdowns prompted significant shifts in food consumption behaviors, varying by country.
- Sociodemographic and behavioral factors influence dietary responses to crises.
- Findings can inform targeted communication and policy strategies for promoting healthier and sustainable diets.
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