Podcast 41: COVID-19, Our Food Supply, and Eating In or Out!

Healthy You

The uncertainty of COVID-19 has impacted everyone differently, but from a food security perspective, many shifted into survival mode. Despite the food industry and government reassuring Canadians there is no shortage of food, many people began panic buying items at the start of the pandemic. Stats Canada provided us with a lot of data when COVID first hit — something that our government and retailers are keeping on top of as we live through the second wave. Seeing empty grocery store shelves led to a snowball effect in which the masses of people were purchasing food in quantities much above their needs. Was there just not enough for everyone to go around, or did the “early bird” just take what they needed for four months and then some?

During this stressful time, it is important for us all to look out for and support one another. It is no surprise that many people have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Stats Canada has closely examined the relation between finances and food security since the start of the pandemic. Are the government’s efforts in providing financial relief enough for all Canadians? Has the second wave of “panic buying” hit our economy as hard? These are all valid questions, and those of so many through our nation. Listen in as Andrea dives into the information with more detail and shares many of the stats to keep you well-informed so you can feel at ease by knowing the facts.