An assessment of household food consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali Province

This study analyzes changes in household food consumption patterns and socio-economic demographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali Province. This study uses secondary data collected by Statistics Indonesia, namely the National Socio-economic Survey (Susenas) data with the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) demand model. The results showed changes in household food consumption patterns during the pandemic. The average food expenditure per capita of the population decreased, while the average non-food expenditure per capita increased slightly. The average per capita food expenditure of residents in urban areas experienced a more significant decline compared to rural areas. The highest average per capita food expenditure increase occurred in the consumption of tubers, vegetables, and beans. In contrast, the highest decline occurred in the average per capita food expenditure on fruit, processed food, and meat commodities. Socio-demographic characteristics that significantly influence the share of household food expenditure are education of the household head, occupation of the household head, and household perception of food access. The price of own goods has a positive influence on the share of food consumption expenditure but will have a negative impact on the quantity of food consumption. The government can implement policies to achieve food self-sufficiency, particularly for grains and meat, by overseeing the availability of staple foods and the distribution of fruits and meats. Policies that assist low-income household groups in rural areas should also be prioritized.This article discusses the impact of changes in household food consumption patterns and socioeconomic demographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali Province. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bali Province has been considered one of the most affected areas by the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia as its economy relies heavily on tourism. The results showed a shift in household food consumption patterns during the pandemic in Bali Province. Average per capita food expenditure decreased, while average per capita non-food spending increased slightly. Furthermore, per capita food expenditure in urban areas decreased compared to rural areas. Meanwhile, the most significant increase in per capita food expenditure occurred in the consumption of tubers, vegetables, and nuts. In contrast, the most significant decrease occurred in fruits, processed foods, and meat commodities. Socio-demographic factors that influence the share of household food expenditure are the education level of the household head, the occupation of the household head, and the household's perception of food access. The price of goods positively affects the share of food consumption expenditure but has a negative effect on the quantity consumed.