Food consumption behavior, food supply chain disruption, and food security crisis during the COVID-19: the mediating effect of food price and food stress

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research aims to examine how consumers’ consumption behaviors change in response to food supply chain disruptions and food security crisis during COVID-19. A new conceptual framework of consumer food stress and food consumption paradigms for crises is proposed based on the pillars of food security. This study also investigates the mediating effects of food prices and food stress on the proposed framework between pillars of food security and consumption behavior. A range of quantitative techniques was adopted for collecting the data during the COVID-19, with the sample of Bangladeshi consumers (n = 1150) generating a precise measurement. The study applied PLS-SEM (partial least squares-structural equation modeling) to predict food consumption behavior model and expose relevant relationships between all the constructs. Findings reveal that food access, food quality and safety, and food pricing directly impact consumer food stress and consumption behavior. Also, consumers’ consumption behavior is ultimately influenced by food stress. However, food availability has no significant influence on food stress. This research is one of the few empirical studies exploring a range of food security variables that helps explain why consumers are so anxious about food during COVID-19. This study discussed theoretical and practical implications that help food producers, suppliers, marketers, and policymakers maintain a stable food supply chain management and manage food crises during national emergencies.