AUTHOR=Golding Michael A. , Lemoine-Courcelles Cathérine , Abrams Elissa M. , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Bégin Philippe , Chan Edmond S. , Chu Derek K. , Gerdts Jennifer D. , Povolo Beatrice , Kim Harold , Simons Elinor , Upton Julia , Protudjer Jennifer L. P. 

TITLE=Changes in food-related costs during the COVID-19 pandemic among families managing food allergy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Allergy

VOLUME=Volume 3 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/allergy/articles/10.3389/falgy.2022.915014

DOI=10.3389/falgy.2022.915014

ISSN=2673-6101

ABSTRACT=Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the supply, cost, and demand for certain foods, but it unclear how these changes have affected food-allergic households.
Objective: To describe the changes in food-related costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by higher- and lower-income households with a food-allergic member. 
Methods: Between May 1-June 30, 2020, Canadian households, with 1+ food-allergic member, completed an online survey on food shopping and preparation before and during the pandemic. The sample was divided into binary groups, either higher or lower than the sample median income. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. 
Results: The sample included 102 participants (i.e. 51/ income group). The three most common food allergies amongst both groups were peanuts, tree nuts and milk. During the pandemic, both groups reported greater monthly direct grocery costs, although costs amongst the higher-income group were 2x higher than the lower-income group ($212.86 vs. $98.89, respectively). Indirect food preparation costs were similarly elevated. Higher-income households with food procurement difficulties reported increased indirect shopping costs, whereas those without such difficulties reported decreased costs.  Lower-income households with allergies to milk, wheat, or eggs (i.e., staple allergy) reported larger changes in indirect food preparation costs during the pandemic, vs. those with other food allergies ($244.58 vs. -$20.28, respectively; p=0.03).
Conclusion: Both higher and lower income households with food allergy reported greater direct food costs and indirect food preparation costs during the pandemic. Households with staple allergy and those with difficulties finding their typical food items were particularly affected.