In a previous survey insight, we show that around one in four respondents incurred income losses due to Covid19.
Now, we reveal whether income losses have translated into food insecurity: not having access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets people’s dietary preferences and needs.
The Life with Corona data shows that, between October 2020 and July 2021, those who reported a loss of income were more likely to be moderately or severely food insecure (Figure 1). For instance, in Germany, from the 24% of respondents who saw their income decrease during the pandemic, 15% experienced at least moderate food insecurity. In Argentina, the same share was 14% (from around 40% who saw their income decrease).
Having access to food is not enough if the food one is consuming is of lousy quality. Indeed, our data shows that, in all countries, those who suffered an income shock ate fresh fruit and vegetables less often (Figure 2).
The Life with Corona project reveals that, even in high-income countries, the economic losses due to the pandemic have resulted in higher proportions of people having to skip meals, eat less than they should, rely on fewer quality diets, or run out of food.