From proximity concerns to constant snacking: Narratives of food access and consumption patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this research was to uncover narratives around food access and consumption among Black women who attend HBCUs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Black women, ages 18–25. Methods: Focus groups were used to understand how participants defined healthy foods as well as barriers and facilitators of consumption. During the pandemic follow-up focus groups uncovered how COVID-19 impacted their access and consumption patterns. Results: Findings revealed that HCBU women faced similar and distinct concerns around food access prior to and during the pandemic. Students were limited by price, budgets, proximity to healthy foods, kitchen access, and cooking tools. However, proximity or transportation both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged students to access healthy foods. Conclusion: For students who are already at a societal disadvantage and attend a university located in a food desert, access to nutritious foods can be an exacerbated plight.