Changes in Food Acquisition Source, Behaviors, and Perceptions During Early Months of COVID-19 Pandemic: Differences Between Those Living in and Not Living in Low Income Low Food Access Urban Areas

ABSTRACT We examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access in US households located in low-income low-food access (LILA) zip codes and those in other areas. We explored changes in utilization of key food sources and in reported challenges, worries, and strategies related to obtaining food. Living in a LILA zip code was associated with a higher prevalence of using food programs, experiencing challenges finding help for food, worrying that food was unsafe, and worrying about losing access to food programs. Examining food acquisition during the pandemic may inform ways to reduce barriers to food access.