Impact of COVID – 19 on Frequency of Food Purchase in Families of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the frequency of food purchases in families in Andhra Pradesh. An ex post facto research design was adopted for the study. The study comprised a 360-person sample of families covering both urban and rural areas of three districts of Andhra Pradesh in all three time periods (before, during, and after the pandemic). The frequency of food purchases was used to assess whether there was any change in purchasing patterns in all three time periods among families. The frequency of purchasing food groups was also studied. The results showed that purchasing frequency varied among the families. Comparison of purchasing pattern between the three time periods showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the purchasing pattern of millets. Non-significantly correlated food groups were pulses, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, vegetables, milk and milk products, chicken, meat, eggs, fish, sugars, dry fruits, sweets and savories and coffee powder, during three time periods. During the pandemic period, an increase in frequency of purchase was seen in millets and pulses was seen while there was no change in purchasing pattern of cereals and nuts. A decrease in consumption of chicken and sugars was observed. In the post-pandemic period, an increase in frequency of purchase in meat and eggs was noted, and a decrease was noted in purchase of millets and fruits.