2020 IFIC Food and Health Survey finds that 85% of people report altered food intake during pandemic

jamiepopeauthor
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‎09-17-2020 11:09 AM

I'm intrigued with nutrition surveys having seen so many trends and "food fads" over the 4+ decades of my career.   Recently, the International Food and Information Council (IFIC) conducted their annual Food and Health Survey.   No surprise that the impact of the pandemic is profound on Americans eating patterns.   

According to the 2020 survey, 85% of people have altered their food habits as a result of the pandemic, with cooking at home more being the top reported change (selected by 60% of respondents). Snacking more (32%), washing fresh produce more (30%), and thinking about food more than usual (27%) were also popular responses. 41% of respondents under 35 said they are snacking more than normal (compared to 26% of respondents age 50+). Additionally, 41% of parents with children under 18 are snacking more (versus 29% without children).  

These changes don't necessarily translate negatively on diet quality and health, but certainly warrant the need for evidence-based, credible nutrition information and guidance in the media and marketplace.

Link to news story:

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/10/2046323/0/en/COVID-19-Pandemic-Transforms-the-...

Link to report: 

https://foodinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/IFIC-Food-and-Health-Survey-2020.pdf

jamie pope nutrition trend image.jpg

About the Author
Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jamie is an active member and serves on the board of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.