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Post-lockdown changes in diet in Italy and the USA: Return to old habits or structural changes?

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  • Gabriele Scozzafava

    (University of Firenze)

  • Caterina Contini

    (University of Firenze)

  • Francesca Gerini

    (University of Firenze)

  • Leonardo Casini

    (University of Firenze)

Abstract

This study analyses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food consumption at the end of the first lockdown in the New York State (USA) and in Italy (spring 2020). The results of our study show that important changes occurred in food habits in these two countries, in which lockdown was very similar. Three models of response to the shock of the lockdown were noted in both countries. The first model (40%) includes individuals who largely increased their food consumption, the second model (26%) showed a more virtuous and responsible behaviour, while the third model (34%) displayed no change in food consumption. Diet quality in terms of healthiness and sustainability declined in the USA, while in Italy, approximately one-third of the sample showed an improvement in diet in these same areas. The use of sociodemographic, motivational, and behavioural variables to profile subjects who adhered to each food model has made it possible to obtain information that can be used to develop communication campaigns and policies for a healthier and more sustainable diet.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Scozzafava & Caterina Contini & Francesca Gerini & Leonardo Casini, 2022. "Post-lockdown changes in diet in Italy and the USA: Return to old habits or structural changes?," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 10(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:10:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-022-00234-7
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-022-00234-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francesca Gerini & Tommaso Fantechi & Caterina Contini & Leonardo Casini & Gabriele Scozzafava, 2022. "Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and COVID-19: A Segmentation Analysis of Italian and US Consumers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
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