Change and Innovation within Florida's Food System in Response to COVID-19

ABSTRACT

The overall socioeconomic impacts of a pandemic event will vary temporally and geographically with differences in duration and scope of the event as well as with the extent and pervasiveness of the individual and institutional behavioral effects in response to the event. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated these behavioral shifts are impacted by several factors, each with differing levels of influence on the overall effects of the pandemic. In some instances, new or more tightly enforced regulations or laws limited the extent and manner in which individuals could interact outside their homes. In some cases, these regulations forced businesses to close or impeded their ability to adapt quickly. In other instances, regulatory shifts aimed at easing enforcement or monetary support enabled businesses and individuals to adapt to the circumstances they operated in. Changes in food consumption patterns (e.g., food at home vs. food away from home) caused significant, abrupt shifts in product movements. Researchers from the University of Florida and Florida Gulf Coast University used a two-phase mixed methodology approach to evaluate the modifications, changes, adaptations, and innovations occurring within Florida's food system. This chapter presents findings from the second, interview-based phase of this approach, which suggest that this period of limitations and transformation led to new relationships amongst food system stakeholders that continue to provide access to new markets and new revenue streams. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Luca Storti, Giulia Urso and Neil Reid;individual chapters, the contributors.