Changes in Food Purchasing Practices of French Households During the First COVID-19 Lockdown and Associated Individual and Environmental Factors

Abstract

BackgroundTo limit the spread of COVID-19, a strict lockdown was imposed in France between March and May 2020. Mobility limitations and closure of non-essential public places (restaurants, open-air markets, etc.) affected peoples' food environment (FE) and thus their food purchasing practices (FPPs). This study aimed to explore changes in FPPs of French households during lockdown and associations with individual and environmental factors.MethodsIn April of 2020 households from the Mont'Panier cross-sectional study (n = 306), a quota sampling survey conducted in the south of France, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about their FPPs during lockdown and related factors, including perceived FE (distance to closest general food store, perception of increased food prices, etc.). Objective FE (presence, number, proximity, and density of food outlets) was assessed around participant's home using a geographical information system. Multiple correspondence analysis based on changes in frequency of use and quantity of food purchased by food outlet, followed by a hierarchical cluster analysis, resulted in the identification of clusters. Logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between identified clusters and household's sociodemographic characteristics, perceived, and objective FE.ResultsFive clusters were identified. Cluster “Supermarket” (38% of the total sample), in which households reduced frequency of trips, but increased quantity bought in supermarkets during lockdown, was associated with lower incomes and the perception of increased food prices. Cluster “E-supermarket” (12%), in which households increased online food shopping with pickup at supermarket, was associated with higher incomes. Cluster “Diversified” (22%), made up of households who reduced frequency of trips to diverse food outlet types, was associated with the perception of increased food prices. Cluster “Organic Food Store” (20%), in which households did not change frequency of trips, nor quantity purchased in organic food stores, was associated with being older (35–50 y vs. <35 y). Finally, cluster “Producer” (8%), which includes households who regularly purchased food from producers, but mostly reduced these purchases during lockdown, was associated with the presence of an organic food store within a 1-km walking distance around home.ConclusionThis study highlighted diverse changes in FPPs during lockdown and overall more significant associations with perceived than with objective FE indicators.

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

“…During the initial outbreak in the first quarter of 2020 (Q1 2020), two studies from China found that there was an increase in use of online groceries 61,62 . Further into the pandemic in the second quarter (Q2 2020), many more studies reported an increase in use of online groceries 36,43,47,50–52,56,59,62,68,69,71,78,80,81 . While four studies reported an overall increase in the use of meal delivery apps, 35,52,78,81 more studies saw a decrease in use 36,37,40,47,54,66,75 .…”

“…61,62 Further into the pandemic in the second quarter (Q2 2020), many more studies reported an increase in use of online groceries. 36,43,47,[50][51][52]56,59,62,68,69,71,78,80,81 While four studies reported an overall increase in the use of meal delivery apps, 35,52,78,81 more studies saw a decrease in use. 36,37,40,47,54,66,75 In the third quarter of 2020 (Q3 2020), the pattern of increased online grocery shopping was maintained 42,44,45,63,70,74,84,86 with only one study that noted a decrease.…”

Store-specific grocery shopping patterns and their association with objective and perceived retail food environments

“…Understanding grocery shopping practices and associated RFE characteristics is important, especially in the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has raised concerns about food access ( 57 , 58 ) . The pandemic has led to substantial disruptions in various aspects of daily life, including shifts in food shopping behaviours.…”

“…The pandemic has led to substantial disruptions in various aspects of daily life, including shifts in food shopping behaviours. While there has been a substantial increase in online grocery shopping, traditional supermarkets have maintained their enduring importance ( 57 ) . This study offers a valuable pre-pandemic baseline, providing essential context for research investigating how purchasing patterns have changed during and after the pandemic.…”