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Jia SS, Raeside R, Sainsbury E, Wardak S, Phongsavan P, Redfern J, Allman-Farinelli M, Fernandez MA, Partridge SR, Gibson AA. Use of online food retail platforms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and associated diet-related chronic disease risk factors: A systematic review of emerging evidence. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13720. [PMID: 38346847 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Food accessibility was considerably impacted by restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, leading to growth in the online food retail sector, which offered contact-free delivery. This systematic review aimed to assess the change in use of online food retail platforms during COVID-19. The secondary aim was to identify diet-related chronic disease risk factors including dietary intake, eating behaviors, and/or weight status associated with the use of online food retail platforms during the pandemic. The review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022320498) and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine electronic databases were searched between January 2020 and October 2023. Studies that reported the frequency or change in use of online groceries, meal delivery applications, and/or meal-kit delivery services before and during the pandemic were included. A total of 53 studies were identified, including 46 cross-sectional studies, 4 qualitative studies, 2 longitudinal cohort studies, and 1 mixed-methods study. Overall, 96% (43/45) of outcomes showed an increase in the use of online groceries during COVID-19, while 55% (22/40) of outcomes showed a decrease in meal delivery applications. Eight of nine outcomes associated the use of online food retail with weight gain and emotional eating. Further research is needed to investigate the links between online food retail and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Si Jia
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Raeside
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma Sainsbury
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sara Wardak
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philayrath Phongsavan
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Julie Redfern
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret Allman-Farinelli
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Sydney School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa A Fernandez
- School of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stephanie R Partridge
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alice A Gibson
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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2
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Ludwig-Borycz E, Baylin A, Jones AD, Webster A, Stratton AE, Bauer KW. Changing sustainable diet behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: inequitable outcomes across a sociodemographically diverse sample of adults. J Nutr Sci 2024; 13:e16. [PMID: 38572371 PMCID: PMC10988137 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2024.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe changes in sustainable dietary behaviours (those that support environmental, economic, and physical health) among a sample of US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to examine differences in changes by individuals' race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in April 2021 (N = 1,488, mean age = 42.7 (SD = 12.6)) receiving outpatient care from Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan health system. Enrolment quotas were established to ensure a diverse sample-one-third of participants identified as African American/Black, one-third Hispanic/Latino, one-third White, and one-third low-income. Participants reported engaging in more behaviours that are supportive of a sustainable diet one year into the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. This is particularly true regarding ecologically and economically sustaining behaviours such as taking fewer trips to the grocery store, increased use of home grocery delivery, increased cooking at home, and greater consumption of healthy foods. Not all behaviour changes promoted sustainable food systems; namely, the use of farmer's markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) declined. White and high-income participants were more likely than African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, and low-income individuals to engage in ecologically and economically sustainable dietary behaviours during the pandemic. Meanwhile, African American/Black participants reported large increases in physical health sustainable dietary behaviours. To support the continuation of greater engagement with sustainable diets, policies that increase access to public transportation, limit the frequency with which consumers have groceries delivered, increase work-from-home options, and improve access for low-income populations should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Baylin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Andrew D. Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | | | - Katherine W. Bauer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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Downs S, Manohar S, Staromiejska W, Keo C, Say S, Chhinh N, Fanzo J, Sok S. Centering context when characterizing food environments: the potential of participatory mapping to inform food environment research. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1324102. [PMID: 38450238 PMCID: PMC10914972 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1324102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Food environments are a critical place within the food system to implement interventions aimed at enabling sustainable diets. In this perspective article, we argue for the need for food environment research to more comprehensively examine the different types of food environments that people access within their communities to ensure that interventions and programs are better aligned with people's lived experiences. We highlight the potential ways in which participatory mapping (PM) can be leveraged to better design food environment research by: (1) identifying the different food environment types that are accessed within a given community; (2) providing insight into the timing for data collection; (3) informing the prioritization of where to conduct food environment assessments; and (4) highlighting the dynamism of food environments over time (e.g., across a given day or across seasons). We provide a case study example of the application of PM and the lessons learned from it in Cambodia. By conceptualizing food environments in a more comprehensive way, from the perspective of the people living within a given community, we will be able to measure food environments in a way that more closely aligns with people's lived experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna Downs
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Swetha Manohar
- Global Food Ethics Policy Program, School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, DC, United States
- Nutrition, Diets and Health Unit, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wiktoria Staromiejska
- Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Chanvuthy Keo
- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Boulevard, Khan Toul Kork, Cambodia
| | - Sophea Say
- Department of Tourism, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nyda Chhinh
- Department of Economic Development, Faculty of Development Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Boulevard, Khan Toul Kork, Cambodia
| | - Jessica Fanzo
- Columbia’s Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Serey Sok
- Research Office, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Russian Federation Boulevard, Khan Toul Kork, Cambodia
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4
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Pyo J, Park EJ, Ock M, Lee W, Lee HJ, Choi S. How has COVID-19 affected the work environment of delivery workers?: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290403. [PMID: 37733663 PMCID: PMC10513220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a rapid worldwide increase in the utilization of delivery services. This study delves into the experiences of delivery workers as one of the activley developed industries during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea and sheds light on the effects of the pandemic on their working conditions. Through in-depth interviews with 10 Korean delivery workers, data analysis employed the hermeneutic phenomenology research method developed by Van Manen. The findings indicate a substantial rise in income levels and a positive societal perception of delivery labor post-COVID-19. The pandemic also attracted many new workers to the industry due to low entry barriers and work flexibility. However, challenges persisted as delivery workers grappled with an uncertain legal status and sometimes jeopardized their safety to boost earnings in shorter time frames. The pivotal role played by delivery workers in enhancing communal quality of life and connectivity during the pandemic cannot be overlooked. As we step into a post-COVID-19 era, comprehensive efforts are needed to enhance the working environment for delivery workers globally. Notably, clarifying the relationship between delivery workers and companies within the novel digital labor landscape is essential, alongside establishing institutional frameworks to safeguard workers' basic rights, including health and safety provisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehee Pyo
- Task Force to Support Public Health and Medical Services of Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jee Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsu Ock
- Task Force to Support Public Health and Medical Services of Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Lee
- Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Lee
- Department of addiction studies, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoung Choi
- Department of Nursing, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
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Kowalska A, Lingham S, Maye D, Manning L. Food Insecurity: Is Leagility a Potential Remedy? Foods 2023; 12:3138. [PMID: 37628137 PMCID: PMC10453207 DOI: 10.3390/foods12163138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ukraine-Russian conflict, both significant geo-political and socio-economic shocks to the global food system and food insecurity has risen across the world. One potential remedy to reduce the level of food insecurity is to move from a lean just-in-time food system to one where there is more resilience through greater agility both in routine supply operations and also in the event of an emergency situation. The aim of this critical perspectives paper was to firstly reflect on the concepts of lean, agility, and 'leagility'. Then, this study considered the ability of individual organisations and the whole food system to be resilient, adaptive, enable the elimination of waste, reduce inefficiency, and assure the consistent delivery to market requirements in terms of both volume, safety, and quality. Promoting the concept of leagility together with advocating resilient, sustainable practices that embed buffer and adaptive capacity, this paper positions that increasing digitalisation and improving business continuity planning can ensure effective operationalisation of supply chains under both normal and crisis situations, ultimately reducing the risk of food insecurity at personal, household, and community levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kowalska
- Institute of Economics and Finance, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, pl. Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Sophia Lingham
- School of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester GL7 6JS, UK;
| | - Damian Maye
- Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, UK;
| | - Louise Manning
- Lincoln Institute for Agri Food Technology, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln LN2 2LG, UK
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6
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Hasan AMR, Smith G, Selim MA, Khatun F, Mahmood SS, Reidpath DD, Rasheed S. Qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on the food environment of urban informal settlements of Dhaka, Bangladesh. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067652. [PMID: 37527892 PMCID: PMC10394537 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food environment from the perspective of the urban poor and food vendors. DESIGN This was a qualitative study conducted during September 2020 and February 2021. SETTING The study was carried out in two purposively selected informal settlements of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS We conducted 21 in-depth interviews with residents of informal settlements and 10 key informant interviews with food vendors and food aid workers. RESULT The availability of staple foods was not disrupted during the pandemic but some perishables foods became more expensive due to supply chain disruptions and increased transportation costs. Limited market hours affected market access and mobility restrictions adversely affected local vendors. Cart vendors selling perishables incurred business losses they could ill afford. Demand for food reduced as employment disruption lead to reduced purchasing power and, therefore, reduction of quantity, quality and desirability of foods purchased. Respondents reported skipping meals and going hungry. The aid received was considered inadequate to meet needs. CONCLUSION The food environment of the urban poor was disrupted from both supply and demand sides and the organisational response (both government and non-government) was severely inadequate. The social safety net needs to be extended and redesigned to ensure food security and health for the urban working poor in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Rumayan Hasan
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Abdus Selim
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Khatun
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shehrin Shaila Mahmood
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Daniel D Reidpath
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabrina Rasheed
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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7
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Severo EA, De Guimarães JCF, Wanderley LSO, Gueiros MMB, Jabbour CJC. Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of social media on awareness' socio-environmental and sustainable consumption: Consolidating lessons from the pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT 2023; 46:100865. [PMID: 37192845 PMCID: PMC10165870 DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2023.100865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were caused on people's health and the economy of countries in its first year, especially in emerging economies such as Brazil, were dire. Social distancing and the reduction of jobs caused impacts in many organizations, which led to the adoption of strategies allowing employees to work from home, adjusting family residences into home offices while facing reduction in industrial production and a decrease in economic activities. The pandemic also changed consumption behaviors, the use of social media (social networks), and people's socioenvironmental awareness. This research aims to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of social media, on environmental awareness, on sustainable consumption awareness and on the social responsibility awareness of different generations in Brazil one year after the beginning of the pandemic. For data analysis, the structural equation modeling method was used from a final sample of 1120 respondents. The results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic positively influences the growing in social media usage (environmental issues and social responsibility issues) and sustainable consumption awareness. The study highlights that social media usage has the ability to positively influence environmental awareness, sustainable consumption awareness, and social responsibility awareness. The results provide a framework to analyze the consequential factors of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainability awareness and the use of social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Andréa Severo
- Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Department of Administrative Sciences (DCA/UFPE), Center for Applied Social Sciences (CCSA/UFPE), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Julio Cesar Ferro De Guimarães
- Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Post-Graduate Program in Hospitality and Tourism (PPHTur/UFPE), PostGraduate Program in Management, Innovation and Consumption (PPGIC/UFPE), Department of Administrative Sciences (DCA/UFPE), Center for Applied Social Sciences (CCSA/UFPE), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Lilian Soares Outtes Wanderley
- Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Department of Administrative Sciences (DCA/UFPE), Center for Applied Social Sciences (CCSA/UFPE), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Maria Barbosa Gueiros
- Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Department of Administrative Sciences (DCA/UFPE), Center for Applied Social Sciences (CCSA/UFPE), Av. Professor Moraes Rego, 1235, 50670-901, Recife-PE, Brazil
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8
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Rousham E, Clark M, Latham M, Oo SP, Read S, Griffiths P, Blankenship J, Goudet S. Resilience and vulnerabilities of urban food environments in the Asia-Pacific region. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2023:e13513. [PMID: 37097115 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanisation in the Asia-Pacific region is associated with complex changes to urban food environments. The impact of changing food environments on food purchasing and consumption and the diets and nutritional status of vulnerable groups, especially women and young children, is not well researched in low- and middle-income country cities. This paper aimed to examine: the risks and opportunities for healthy diets for low income populations offered by modernising urban centres; the concept of food deserts in relation to urban food environments in the Asia-Pacific region and how these could be mitigated; and measures to strengthen the resilience of food environments in the region using a case study of the impact of COVID-19 on informal food vendors. Our findings indicate that the dynamic changes in urban food environments in the Asia- Pacific region need to be understood by examining not only modern retail food outlets but also wet markets and informal food outlets, including street foods. Efforts should be made to ensure both modern and traditional outlets provide complementary platforms for convenient, affordable and accessible nutritious foods for urban populations. The resilience of urban food environments to environmental, physical and socio-economic shocks can be strengthened by shortening food supply chains and maximising food production in cities. Support mechanisms targeting urban informal food outlets and street vendors can also strengthen resilience and improve food security. Further research is needed on the impact of urbanising food environments on consumer choices, preferences, diets and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rousham
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula Griffiths
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Jessica Blankenship
- Nutrition Section, UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sophie Goudet
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- Nutrition Research, Dikoda, London, UK
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Cirone F, Petruzzelli M, De Menna F, Samoggia A, Buscaroli E, Durante E, Orsini F, Rufí-Salís M, Tonini P, Durany XG, Graamans L, Fargue-Lelièvre A, Saint-Ges V, Fox-Kämper R, Specht K, Pascual-Fernández JJ, Vittuari M. A sustainability scoring system to assess food initiatives in city regions. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION 2023; 36:88-99. [PMID: 36597516 PMCID: PMC9801700 DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The City Region Food Systems approach has been proposed to achieve food system resilience and nutrition security while promoting the urgent ecological transition within urban and peri-urban areas, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the great diversity of the initiatives composing City Region Food Systems in Europe poses barriers to the assessment of their integrated sustainability. Hence, the present work is developed within the EU-H2020 project Food System in European Cities (FoodE), to build a consistent sustainability scoring system that allows comparative evaluation of City Region Food System Initiatives. Adopting a Life Cycle Thinking approach, it advances on existing knowledge and past projects, taking advantage of a participatory process, with stakeholders from multidisciplinary expertise. As a result, the research designs, and tests on 100 case studies a simplified and ready-to-use scoring mechanism based on a quali-quantitative appraisal survey tool, delivering a final sustainability score on a 1-5 points scale, to get insights on the social, economic, and environmental impacts. As in line with the needs of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the outcome represents a step forward for the sustainable development and social innovation of food communities in cities and regions, providing a practical and empirical lens for improved planning and governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cirone
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Mara Petruzzelli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio De Menna
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Samoggia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Buscaroli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuele Durante
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Orsini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Martí Rufí-Salís
- Sostenipra Research Group (2017SGR1683), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-000940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pietro Tonini
- Sostenipra Research Group (2017SGR1683), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-000940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Gabarrell Durany
- Sostenipra Research Group (2017SGR1683), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, ICTA-UAB (CEX2019-000940-M), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luuk Graamans
- Greenhouse Horticulture, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Runrid Fox-Kämper
- ILS- Institut für Landes- und Stadtentwicklungsforschung (Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development), Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kathrin Specht
- ILS- Institut für Landes- und Stadtentwicklungsforschung (Research Institute for Regional and Urban Development), Dortmund, Germany
| | - José J Pascual-Fernández
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Matteo Vittuari
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
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10
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Makov T, Meshulam T, Cansoy M, Shepon A, Schor JB. Digital food sharing and food insecurity in the COVID-19 era. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, AND RECYCLING 2023; 189:106735. [PMID: 36317194 PMCID: PMC9606032 DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sharing food surplus via the digital sharing economy is often discussed as a promising strategy to reduce food waste and mitigate food insecurity at the same time. Yet if and how the global pandemic has affected digital food sharing are not yet well understood. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset covering over 1.8 million food exchanges facilitated by a popular peer-to-peer food sharing platform, we find that UK activity levels not only rose during the Covid-19 pandemic, but outperformed projections. A potential explanation for this growth might be the rise of food insecurity during the pandemic. Yet examining the sociodemographic characteristics of platform users, average user activity and food exchanges before and during the pandemic, we find no compelling evidence that the platform's pandemic-era growth results from a large influx of food insecure users. Instead, we poist that the growth in digital food sharing relates to lifestyle changes potentially triggered by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Makov
- Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Tamar Meshulam
- Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Mehmet Cansoy
- Department of Sociology, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States of America
| | - Alon Shepon
- The Porter School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Juliet B Schor
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, United States of America
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11
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Hassen TB, Bilali HE, Allahyari MS, Berjan S, Radosavac A, Cvijanovic D, Bogevska Z, Despotovic A, Vaško Ž. No social distancing from food: How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped student food-related activities in the Western Balkans. Nutr Health 2023:2601060221143964. [PMID: 36627198 PMCID: PMC9836841 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221143964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced food preparation and consumption habits, as well as food wastage. The pandemic also affected the lives of university students worldwide; their learning and living environments changed, influencing their eating habits. AIM The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' food-related activities in four countries in the Western Balkans: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. METHODS The research draws upon an online survey gathered through the SurveyMonkey platform in four Balkan countries-viz. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro-and used a structured questionnaire. The information was collected during the second wave of COVID-19 in October-November 2020. A total of 1658 valid responses were received. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the survey findings. RESULTS The research results suggest that the pandemic influenced students' food purchase habits, diets, and food-related behaviors and practices such as food preparation, cooking, and food waste management at the household level. In particular, students have been eating healthier and shopping less frequently during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the pandemic improved their attitude toward food wastage. CONCLUSION This study is the first to examine how students in the Balkan region perceive the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their eating habits, laying the groundwork for future studies into the disease's consequences. This and other studies will assist in preparing students and education institutions for future calamities and pandemics. The findings will also help develop evidence-based postpandemic recovery options targeting youth and students in the Western Balkans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Valenzano (Bari), Italy
| | - Mohammad S. Allahyari
- Department of Agricultural Management, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Sinisa Berjan
- Department of Agroeconomy and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of East Sarajevo, Lukavac, East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adriana Radosavac
- Faculty of Applied Management, Economics and Finance in Belgrade, University Business Academy, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Drago Cvijanovic
- Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism Vrnjačka Banja, University of Kragujevac, Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia
| | - Zvezda Bogevska
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| | | | - Željko Vaško
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Saboori B, Radmehr R, Zhang YY, Zekri S. A new face of food security: A global perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic. PROGRESS IN DISASTER SCIENCE 2022; 16:100252. [PMID: 36189436 PMCID: PMC9508695 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdisas.2022.100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has impacted the world economy and food system in many aspects. We conducted a comprehensive examination of global food security during the COVID-19 pandemic by considering the food security index and its four key pillars (affordability, availability, quality and safety, and natural resources and resilience) for 102 countries. In addition to the fixed effect panel data estimator, the Method of Moments Quantile regression is useful for disaggregating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to inflation, economic growth, urbanization, and agricultural land on global food security among countries with different levels of food security. We found that COVID-19 has negatively affected food security globally, especially in countries with a low food security level. The effect of income per capita and urbanization rate on the food security index is positive and statistically significant across all quantiles. Inflation rate and agricultural land, however, adversely affect food security, and this effect is stronger for countries with lower levels of food security. The results of affordability, availability, quality, and safety, and natural resources and resilience models provide meaningful implications for governments and policymakers to build resilience in food systems and to be better prepared for future crises and disruptions in the food supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Saboori
- Department of Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Riza Radmehr
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yu Yvette Zhang
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Slim Zekri
- Department of Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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13
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Litvynchuk S, Galenko O, Cavicchi A, Ceccanti C, Mignani C, Guidi L, Shevchenko A. Conformational Changes in the Structure of Dough and Bread Enriched with Pumpkin Seed Flour. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2762. [PMID: 36297786 PMCID: PMC9607130 DOI: 10.3390/plants11202762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pumpkin seed flour is a promising raw material for use in the technology of various bakery products. It has a high biological value and valuable amino acid profile. During the technological process of making bread, there are conformational changes in the protein structure. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of pumpkin seed flour on conformational changes in the structure of protein substances of dough and bread from wheat flour by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy. The protein profile changed to complete when replacing 10% or more of wheat flour because the score for all amino acids was higher than 100%. The utilitarian coefficient indicates the same balance of amino acids in proteins of all samples. As the percentage of substitution increases, the number of amino acids used for anabolic purposes decreases, and these are more fully utilized by the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Litvynchuk
- Department of Physics, National University of Food Technologies, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Galenko
- Department of Technology of Meat and Meat Products, National University of Food Technologies, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alessio Cavicchi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Costanza Ceccanti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Mignani
- Department of Political Sciences, Communication and International Relations, University of Macerata, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Lucia Guidi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anastasiia Shevchenko
- Department of Bakery and Confectionery Goods Technologies, National University of Food Technologies, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine
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14
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Sidebottom R, Wassie SB, Cerami C, Jallow MW, Fennell S, Dalzell S. A longitudinal investigation of dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mandinka households in Kanifing, Brikama, and the West Kiang region in The Gambia. Front Nutr 2022; 9:907969. [PMID: 36245476 PMCID: PMC9562626 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.907969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid pandemic has exposed fissures of inequality through heightened food insecurity and nutritional deficiency for vulnerable social cohorts with limited coping mechanisms. Given the multi-dimensional pathways through which its effects have been felt, several researchers have highlighted the need to analyse the pandemic in specific contexts. Using random and fixed effect regression models, this study analyzed longitudinal survey data collected from 103 Mandinka households in rural and urban Gambia. The study employed convenience and snowball sampling and involved the monthly collection of detailed income, food consumption, expenditure, sourcing, migration, health, and coping mechanism data through mobile phone interviews which yielded 676 observations. Food insecurity was manifest in terms of quality, not quantity, and spread unevenly across food types and households. Dietary outcomes and sourcing strategies were associated with location, improved sanitation, household size, changes in monthly income, Covid policy stringency, and Covid cases but these associations varied by food group. Staples were the most frequently consumed food group, and dark green vegetables were the least. Rural communities were more likely to eat more healthy millets but much less likely to consume dairy products or roots and tubers. Access to own production was also important for Vitamin A-rich foods but higher incomes and markets were key for protein and heme-iron-rich foods. Tighter Covid policy stringency was negatively associated with dietary diversity and, along with fear of market hoarding, was positively associated with reliance on a range of consumption and production coping mechanisms. Resilience was higher in larger households and those with improved water and sanitation. The number of Covid cases was associated with higher consumption of protein-rich foods and greater reliance on own produced iron-rich foods. Very few households received Government aid and those that did already had access to other income sources. Our findings suggest that the nature of food insecurity may have evolved over time during the pandemic. They also reiterate not only the importance of access to markets and employment but also that the capacity to absorb affordability shocks and maintain food choices through switching between sources for specific nutritious food groups varied by household and location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sidebottom
- Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Richard Sidebottom ;
| | | | - Carla Cerami
- Nutrition Unit, MRC Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Momodou W. Jallow
- Nutrition Unit, MRC Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Shailaja Fennell
- Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Dalzell
- MRC Nutrition and Bone Health Research Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Akter MS, Talsma EF, Feskens EJM, Thilsted SH, Rasheed S. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect food environment, food purchase, and fish consumption among low-income urban households in Bangladesh-A path analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:994236. [PMID: 36187611 PMCID: PMC9521681 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.994236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal source foods, especially fish is the most commonly consumed and an important source of macro and micronutrients in the diet of the urban low-income residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the food environment in Bangladesh but little is known about how food access and food prices (affordability) have affected the purchase and consumption of fish. The objective of the study was to understand the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban food environment with a specific focus on fish consumption. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 586 homogeneous adults (288 females and 298 males) from separate households from five informal settlements in Dhaka city, Bangladesh during October-November 2020. Data were collected on: (1) food access and affordably; and (2) food purchase and fish consumption. The associations between food access, price, food purchase, and fish consumption were evaluated using path analysis. Results The majority of respondents reported that food access was more difficult, food prices increased, and food purchase decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-COVID (84-89% of respondents). Fish and meat were more difficult to access, more expensive and purchased less compared to other foods (74-91% of respondents). Compared to pre-COVID period, households consumed less fish during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reported compromised the variety and quality of fish. In the path analysis, food access was associated with food purchase (b = 0.33, p < 0.001). Food purchase was associated with quantity, variety, and quality of fish consumed. Food price was inversely associated with the quality of fish consumed (b = -0.27, p < 0.001). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the food environment, particularly food access, price (affordability), purchase, and consumption, especially of fish. Limited food access negatively affected the quantity, variety and quality of fish consumed. An increase in food prices directly affected the quality of fish consumed. Policy actions are essential to ensure equal access to nutritious foods, such as fish. These policies need to focus on diversity and quality along with preventing increases in food prices during emergencies to mitigate future threats to the nutrition and health of the urban low-income residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsina Syeda Akter
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Mahsina Syeda Akter
| | - Elise F. Talsma
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Edith J. M. Feskens
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Sabrina Rasheed
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Hernández-Vásquez A, Visconti-Lopez FJ, Vargas-Fernández R. Factors Associated with Food Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean Countries: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 13 Countries. Nutrients 2022; 14:3190. [PMID: 35956365 PMCID: PMC9370137 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is the region with the second highest figures for food insecurity (FI) globally, with a prevalence of 40.9% in the entire region. This cross-sectional study analyzes the household factors associated with FI across 13 LAC countries. We used data from the first round of high-frequency phone surveys, conducted by the World Bank. Approximately 4 out of 10 people in LAC experienced FI during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. FI was positively associated with the number of individuals aged from 5 to 18 years, the number of men, the illness, accident, or death of an income-earning household member, and health expenditure due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, as well as the increase in food prices, reduced family income, and job loss by a member of the household. On the other hand, households located in capital cities and those with more bedrooms were less likely to have experienced FI. The design of social policies must focus on the economic deficiencies experienced by the LAC population, with unemployment, reduced income, and high food costs being the main factors that must be addressed to ensure adequate nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hernández-Vásquez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru
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Byker Shanks C, Houghtaling B, Shanks J, Grocke-Dewey M, Webber E, Andress L, Hardison-Moody A, Patton-Lopez M, Haynes-Maslow L. Disparities in dietary practices during the COVID-19 pandemic by food security status. Prev Med Rep 2022; 28:101830. [PMID: 35601457 PMCID: PMC9113950 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the differences in dietary practices among food secure and food insecure populations during the early COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in dietary practices the early COVID-19 pandemic restrictions between adults reporting food security versus food insecurity. An online cross-sectional survey using validated measures was administered between April and September 2020 to explore both dietary patterns and practices and food security status among persons residing in five U.S. states from different regions of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between-group differences (food secure versus food insecure) were examined for dietary practice outcomes using Pearson's Chi-Square test statistic, with Fisher's Exact test for cell counts less than five. There were 3,213 adult respondents. Food insecurity increased among the survey sample from 15.9% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 23.1% during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.01). Compared to food secure respondents, those experiencing food insecurity reported more group gatherings for meals during the pandemic, decreased fruit and vegetable intake, and a need for more nutrition support resources than food secure respondents (p < 0.05). Food secure individuals reported increasing alcohol consumption, more frequent take-out or delivery ordering from fast food or restaurants, and more interest in supporting the local food system (p < 0.05). Results indicate a clear risk of disparities in dietary practices based on food security status during the early COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Public health research, practice, and policy efforts should tailor specific efforts towards both food secure and food insecure groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Byker Shanks
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68114, USA
- Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Bailey Houghtaling
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Agricultural Center, 271 Knapp Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | | | | | - Eliza Webber
- Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Lauri Andress
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 18701, USA
| | - Annie Hardison-Moody
- Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Megan Patton-Lopez
- Division of Health & Exercise Science, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR 97361, USA
| | - Lindsey Haynes-Maslow
- Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Alalawi S, Issa ST, Takshe AA, ElBarazi I. A review of the environmental implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 8:100561. [PMID: 36699969 PMCID: PMC9164511 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2022.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the environmental implications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic at the individual and community levels in the UAE. The positive effects emanating from the pandemic include improved air quality and reduced contamination of public spaces with pollutants. On the other hand, far-reaching negative effects include poor disposal of medical plastic waste and facemasks and the rise in unhygienic health practices amongst residents of UAE. The long-term ecological implications of the pandemic are still not well understood. The findings shed the light on the importance of addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic through preventative policies and strategies for better environmental health and readiness for future crises. Future research could assess the long-term environmental conse-quences of the pandemic on the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikha Alalawi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sahar T Issa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Aseel A Takshe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Iffat ElBarazi
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
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Leal Filho W, Salvia AL, Paço A, Dinis MAP, Vidal DG, Da Cunha DA, de Vasconcelos CR, Baumgartner RJ, Rampasso I, Anholon R, Doni F, Sonetti G, Azeiteiro U, Carvalho S, Ríos FJM. The influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable consumption: an international study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2022; 34:54. [PMID: 35757104 PMCID: PMC9208263 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-022-00626-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Sustainable production and consumption are two important issues, which mutually interact. Whereas individuals have little direct influence on the former, they can play a key role on the latter. This paper describes the subject matter of sustainable consumption and outlines its key features. It also describes some international initiatives in this field. Results By means of an international survey, the study explores the emphasis given to sustainable consumption during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the degree of preparedness in individuals to engage in the purchase of green and sustainably manufactured products. The main results indicate that the pandemic offered an opportunity to promote sustainable consumption; nevertheless, the pandemic alone cannot be regarded as a 'game changer' in this topic. Conclusions Apart from an online survey with responses from 31 countries, which makes it one of the most representative studies on the topic, a logit model was used to analyse the main variables that affect the probability of pro-environmental consumption behaviour because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper lists some of the technological and social innovations that may be needed, so as to guide more sustainable consumption patterns in a post-pandemic world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Leal Filho
- European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Amanda Lange Salvia
- Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Arminda Paço
- Universidade da Beira Interior, NECE-UBI (Research Centre for Business Sciences), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis
- UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Guedes Vidal
- Centre for Functional Ecology, TERRA Associate Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University Fernando Pessoa , Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Claudio Ruy de Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Sustainability Engineering and Consumption, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
- Algoritmi Research Centre, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rupert J. Baumgartner
- Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Izabela Rampasso
- Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Rosley Anholon
- School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Federica Doni
- Department of Business and Law, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Sonetti
- CENSE – Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research & CHANGE - Global Change and Sustainability Institute, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Campus de Caparica, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ulisses Azeiteiro
- Department of Biology and CESAM Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara Carvalho
- Department of Biology and CESAM Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Is Environmental Sustainability Also “Economically Efficient”? The Case of the “SOStain” Certification for Sicilian Sparkling Wines. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Italian wine industry is strongly committed to sustainability. Among the numerous sustainability certifications and programs implemented in Italy for the wine sector, SOStain is the oldest at the regional level. The SOStain Foundation promotes the voluntary application of a sustainability program, developed in 2010 in Sicily (Southern Italy). The requirements of the SOStain specifications are connected to the new CAP 2023–2027 objectives; therefore, companies preparing for the new challenges of future winemaking might be interested in joining the SOStain Foundation for greening production practices. The objective of this study was to learn producers’ and consumers’ opinions about motivations, real/perceived difficulties, cost, and positive effects of the SOStain certification, as well as their intentions to make ethical choices and their willingness to spend more for a Sicilian sparkling wine with the SOStain certification. A census of producers combined with a consumer survey and focus groups were carried out. Multidimensional scaling was used to discover the polarization of producers’/consumers’ opinions regarding the SOStain certification. The findings highlighted the effect of ethical choices, despite sensory likings, on purchasing intentions and issues related to higher costs of production and market prices. The results highlighted the criticalities of the green transition for wineries and the importance of correct communication through social media.
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Hernández-Vásquez A, Visconti-Lopez FJ, Chacón-Torrico H, Azañedo D. COVID-19 and Food Insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2022.2086023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hernández-Vásquez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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Using Online Grocery Applications during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Their Relationship with Open Innovation. JOURNAL OF OPEN INNOVATION: TECHNOLOGY, MARKET, AND COMPLEXITY 2022; 8. [PMCID: PMC9906733 DOI: 10.3390/joitmc8020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
This present research examines the behavioral intentions of Filipinos to use online grocery applications during the novel COVID-19 pandemic. The study proposes an integration of the health belief model (HBM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to identify the factors affecting the acceptance and usage of Filipinos of online grocery applications in terms of the impact of health risk for COVID-19. To accurately measure the factors and their relationship to behavioral intentions and usage behavior, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 373 residents in the Philippines. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied as an analytical method for this study. The results revealed that performance expectancy, perceived benefits, perceived severity, and cues to action significantly influenced the behavioral intentions and usage of online grocery apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study’s findings can be utilized as a theoretical framework for future researchers of consumer behavior; e-commerce developers; and grocery industry retailers, to enhance the innovation and services of online grocery applications. The results of this study may also be used and capitalized on by investors and managers to apply in strategizing when developing and marketing online grocery applications among consumers. Moreover, the framework of this study may be adopted and utilized by other online markets, even in different counties. Further theoretical and practical aspects are discussed in this paper.
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Godrich SL, Macau F, Kent K, Lo J, Devine A. Food Supply Impacts and Solutions Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Regional Australian Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074116. [PMID: 35409797 PMCID: PMC8998379 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore how food supply chains were impacted by COVID-19 and identify how the region could be better prepared for future crises. An online survey was completed by 107 consumers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 food supply stakeholders working in food production, distribution, retail, hospitality, institutions (i.e., childcare), logistics/freight and local government. Pre-COVID-19, farmer-direct distribution options and hospitality businesses comprised a substantial proportion of local food producer businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers favoured local food supply options, farmers collaborated, and produce usually destined for export was redirected into local markets. Critical food supply actions included keeping borders open to food freight, enhancing social capital through real-time business communication, and business flexibility. Solutions included business adaptation, for example, farmers selling produce boxes and hospitality businesses selling excess stock, COVID-safe delivery, and collaboration through digital networks. To better prepare the region for future crises, actions to support communities could include a community approach to agriculture, increasing food supply diversity, facilitating transport to aid food distribution and purchasing, and more effective messaging to discourage panic buying. Actions to support retailers could include increasing access to wholesalers through online platforms. Actions to support producers could include improving infrastructure, such as more regional distribution facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Louise Godrich
- Centre for People, Place and Planet, Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Bunbury, WA 6230, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Flavio Macau
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia;
| | - Katherine Kent
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia;
| | - Johnny Lo
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia;
| | - Amanda Devine
- Institute for Nutrition Research, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia;
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Rabbi MF, Oláh J, Popp J, Máté D, Kovács S. Food Security and the COVID-19 Crisis from a Consumer Buying Behaviour Perspective-The Case of Bangladesh. Foods 2021; 10:3073. [PMID: 34945624 PMCID: PMC8701356 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since COVID-19 was confirmed in Bangladesh in March 2020, the government have enacted stringent measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has had a significant impact on people's lives. Food consumption habits of consumers have shifted as a result of declining grocery shopping frequency, negative income shock, and food prices shooting up. This paper aims to explore Bangladeshi consumers' buying behaviour in association with the stress generated from a food supply shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-outbreak perception of the food industry, using a dataset with 540 online samples collected between July and August 2021. A two-stage cluster sampling method and self-administrated questionnaire techniques were adopted for collecting the data during the third wave of COVID-19. Using partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM) and multivariate multiple ordered logit regression (MVORD) to reveal the pertinent structure between all the blocks, this study provides two key findings. First, a higher intensity of COVID-19 impact translates into higher food stress associated with income reduction and higher food prices. Second, food stress directly affects consumer buying and consumption behaviour. We strongly recommend connecting consumers with local producers and collective use of shared warehouses through institutions, policies, and reforms to prevent disruption in the food supply chain and to keep food prices stable. Additionally, food producers, distributors, stakeholders, and policy planners should strengthen the food supply chain to stabilize food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fazle Rabbi
- Károly Ihrig Doctoral School of Management and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Judit Oláh
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; (J.P.); (D.M.)
| | - József Popp
- College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; (J.P.); (D.M.)
- Hungarian National Bank–Research Center, John von Neumann University, 6000 Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Domicián Máté
- College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa; (J.P.); (D.M.)
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kovács
- Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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