Poverty and food insecurity could grow dramatically as COVID-19 spreads

Abstract

Cases of COVID-19 worldwide are growing exponentially, with major impacts on global staple food markets and poverty and hunger. On March 10, the number infections had just passed 110,000 with about 4,000 deaths. In the following month, the number of people with COVID-19 increased 20-fold (to over 2 million) and the number of deaths more than 30-fold (to over 135,000). The epicenter of the pandemic shifted from China to Europe and then to the United States. The coronavirus is now spreading rapidly in low-and middle-income countries, many of which lack robust health systems or strong social safety nets that can soften the pandemic's public health and economic impacts.

Changes in Consumers’ Food Practices during the COVID-19 Lockdown, Implications for Diet Quality and the Food System: A Cross-Continental Comparison

“…As of the 26th October 2020, there were >43,000,000 reported cases and more than 1,100,000 fatalities worldwide [ 1 ]. Over half of the world’s population is, or has been, under some form of social distancing or lockdown in an attempt to contain the health crisis [ 2 ]. This has led to a number of dramatic societal changes including the closure of businesses [ 2 ] and a shift to a ‘working from home’ business model [ 3 ].These societal changes have also led to alterations in individual’s food practices.…”

“…Over half of the world’s population is, or has been, under some form of social distancing or lockdown in an attempt to contain the health crisis [ 2 ]. This has led to a number of dramatic societal changes including the closure of businesses [ 2 ] and a shift to a ‘working from home’ business model [ 3 ].These societal changes have also led to alterations in individual’s food practices. The closure of businesses and the uncertainty of the current and future situation led to an increase in panic buying among consumers [ 4 ].…”

The path ahead: From global pandemic to health promotion

“…We must work across sectors to increase economic opportunity and decrease socioeconomic disparities, which in and of themselves contribute to disease risk. Given the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, socioeconomically vulnerable populations will require dedicated attention as they are most vulnerable to coping with food insecurity and other risks of economic deprivation that may confer health risks over their lifetimes Laborde, 2018 , Uauy et al, 2011 .…”

The Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on the Physical Quality, Nutritional Composition and Consumer Acceptability of White and Brown Breads

“…A basic 28-item food basket in SA in 2020 costs approximately USD 53.69 [ 3 ], which can be unaffordable to many, especially those that are hard hit by the current economic situation and global pandemic. The poorest are the most affected and are at significant risk for food insecurity [ 5 ]. Over the years, the consumption of indigenous crops such as Moringa oleifera has decreased due to more Westernised cultures being adopted [ 6 ].…”