The Aspects of Food Security Formation in the Context of Epidemiological Restrictions in the USA

Abstract

In conditions of food instability, exacerbated by environmental, political, demographic processes, the state regulation of the economy is of particular importance to maintain food security and social stability. The development of technologies (both agri-food and digital) significantly improves the process of providing the population with food through the prism of their availability, accessibility and security. The aim of this study is to thoroughly analyze the current trends under the influence of epidemiological restrictions due to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, and to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the food security system in the United States, which may become a model for other countries that follow similar principles of national economies due to its flexibility and sustainability. The methodological basis of the study involves thorough analysis of indicators describing the dynamics of food security and consumer behavior in a pandemic. In addition, the study used methods of synthesis, deduction, induction, generalization, systematization, benchmarking and others. The article considers the main aspects of food security formation in the context of epidemiological restrictions in the USA. The dynamics of consumer spending on food during the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding costs with the indicators of the years before the pandemic (since 2010 to 2019) were studied. The state of the labor market in the restaurant business was analyzed and its main tendencies were clarified. Consumer benefits for food during the pandemic and mechanisms for meeting consumer needs were analyzed. Given the significant impact of factors, such as natural disasters, military conflicts, etc., which may pose a threat to food security, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, an effective mechanism should be developed to counteract such risks