Lessons from the Changing Food Basket of Isfahan Households During the Corona Period for Future Policymaking

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult test for the resilience of social systems and food security worldwide. The crisis affected household food consumption patterns by imposing economic stresses such as falling incomes and rising prices, and social changes such as quarantine restrictions. A cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan province showed that different socio-economic groups were differently vulnerable to the stresses. In this way, the reduction in the consumption of essential sources of animal protein such as red and white meat was not evenly distributed across the population, and households with less educated heads and large households were more exposed to such a reduction. Increased risk of malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and increased burden of diseases on the health system were also reported as consequences of food insecurity. In this context, this policy brief proposed four operational strategies to strengthen food resilience, including “targeting non-cash food support programs such as food baskets or protein vouchers”, “implementing an education campaign and promoting affordable alternative nutrition”, “diversifying and supporting the production chain of alternative proteins”, and “strengthening the system for monitoring, stockpiling and regulating the market of major protein products.” Based on the analysis and prioritization of each strategy, the first and most urgent priority was focused on implementing targeted food support pilots, the next strategic priority was on combining education with the development of alternative supply, and the final priority was on organizational reform for smart market management. In this context, a change in the behavioral approach of health and social security policymakers is necessary, considering that investing in food security and social vaccination against crises is beneficial for public health. In particular, coordinated and evidence-based action in this area can prevent high medical costs in the future and lead to the realization of health equity. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.