Abastecimento e segurança alimentar frente à pandemia da Covid-19: discutindo o acesso dos consumidores alagoanos a sua cesta de produtos alimentares

Abstract

With the severity of the New Coronavirus Pandemic came more than concerns restricted to the spread of the virus. With social distancing recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and until now one of the most effective methods against the virus, concerns and questions arise regarding the population's nutrition. Therefore, this research seeks to evaluate the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on family nutrition and the access of consumers in Alagoas to their basket of fresh food products (fruit, vegetables, legumes, vegetables and roots). For the research, literary reviews were carried out regarding health crises, food supply, food security, as well as consultation on the website of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in addition to gathering information on the various impacts that Covid- 19 has been causing to the population. Between June and July 2021, a closed questionnaire was administered virtually via Google Forms to 85 consumers from the three Mesoregions of the state of Alagoas. This was necessary to comply with health and biosafety protocols. During the research, it was found that some consumers were in a situation of severe or moderate food insecurity, as they did not have access to the fresh food products that make up their food basket. It was also seen that prices interfered with access to those necessary for their physiological maintenance. Furthermore, it was noted that emergency aid helped some interviewees maintain access to food. It is concluded, from the research, that the Covid-19 pandemic had several effects on family nutrition and consumers' access to their basket of fresh food products, from severe restrictions to improved access to products. Furthermore, it is necessary to mention that government actions are essential to combat food and nutritional insecurity, not only during periods of crisis (such as the recent health crisis), but at all times, as it is a socioeconomic problem faced by the population for centuries.