‘Eating to survive’: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population

Since food insecurity in Europe is regarded to be in its worst levels, this 2020 study was designed to find out what influences food choice and dietary behavior in a food-insecure sample in the U.K.. Twenty-four consumers at a foodbank in Liverpool were interviewed using questions that focussed on food access, factors affecting food choices, and strategies used to conserve food. Upon analyzing the interview, Puddephatt et al. found six themes: ‘income’, ‘cost of food’, ‘accessibility of shops’, ‘health issues’, ‘food rationing strategies’ and ‘worsened health outcomes’. The most notable factor impacting the respondents’ food choices was the continuous struggle to afford food. The majority valued food healthiness but the decisions are ultimately based on the cost of the food. The participants have tried to ration by skipping meals, eating small portions, cooking in bulk, and prioritizing the children’s food consumption. Moreover, these subjects reported pre-existing physical and mental health issues that were worsened by poor access to food and resulted in a vicious cycle of stress and poorer health conditions. This study demonstrates the strong impact of a person’s income on their food choices and eating behaviors, and exposes the need to address important matters such as income and cost of healthy food. [NPID: food insecurity, mental health, United Kingdom, cost of food, income, food rationing, cooking in bulk, stress]

Year: 2020

Reference: Puddephatt, J. A., Keenan, G. S., Fielden, A., Reaves, D. L., Halford, J., & Hardman, C. A. (2020). 'Eating to survive': A qualitative analysis of factors influencing food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population. Appetite, 147, 104547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104547