Changes to household food shopping practices during the COVID-19 restrictions: Evidence from the East of England. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, Claire; Hamilton, Laura; Dickinson, Angela; Fallaize, Rosalind; Mathie, Elspeth; Rogers, Samantha; Wills, Wendy
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 78(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Food shopping -- COVID-19 -- Food environment -- Supermarkets -- Local stores -- UK; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 have changed the way we shop for food and interact with food environments. This qualitative study explored food shopping practices in the East of England, a large diverse region including coastal, urban and rural settings. In 2020/2021 we interviewed 38 people living in the region and 27 professionals and volunteers providing local support around dietary health. Participants reported disruption to supermarket shopping routines; moving to online shopping; and increased reliance on local stores. COVID-19 has impacted disproportionately upon lower-income households and neighbourhoods. The longer-term implications for dietary health inequalities must be investigated. Highlights: Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 have change the way we shop for food. Reduced frequency of shopping trips and increased pre-planning was widely reported. Those on low incomes and without access to a car faced greater challenges. The shift to 'local' shopping may have amplified dietary health inequalities.