Food Values, Food Purchasing, and Eating-Related Outcomes Among a Sample of Quebec Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: This investigation evaluated food values, food purchasing, and other food and eating-related outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada. The role of stress in eating outcomes was also examined. Methods: An online household survey was conducted among Quebec adults aged & GE;18 years (n = 658). Changes in outcomes during, as com-pared to before, the pandemic were evaluated using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of free text responses. Eating outcomes by daily stress level (low, some, high) were assessed using Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Results: Most respondents reported increased importance and purchas-ing of local food products (77% and 68%, respectively) and 60% reported increased grocery spending (mean & PLUSMN; standard deviation: 28% & PLUSMN; 23%). Respondents with a higher daily stress level had a higher frequency of reporting eating more than usual compared to before the pandemic (low stress 21%, some stress 34%, high stress 39%, p-trend <0.0001). Free text responses described more time spent at home as a reason for eating more than usual. Conclusions: To support healthy eating during and post-pandemic, dietitians should consider patients' mental/emotional well-being and time spent at home. Moreover, support of local food products may provide opportunities to promote healthy eating, sustainability, and post-pandemic resiliency of food systems.