"It just feels like I'm a kid back home, with dinner made for me and the snack cabinet full": College Students' Reflections on Food-related Experiences During the Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced many aspects of life and wellbeing. Eating behaviors and food habits among college students—many leaving campus and returning home mid-semester—were of particular interest for this qualitative study. Reflections from 33 students across 3 courses were analyzed using content analysis. Five major themes emerged from the data: diet changes, minimizing risk, responsibility, silver linings, and food and nutrition knowledge and skills. Several opportunities for family and consumer sciences (FCS) educators and professionals exist to help individuals and families through COVID-19 or to promote FCS classes on college campuses.