JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Current food systems in Europe negatively impact the environment, public health, and the public sector, while favoring large food companies, leading to a “Lose-Lose-Lose-Win” scenario. Moreover, food systems have contributed to health inequalities across the EU, perpetuating disparities in access to healthy and sustainable food. Addressing these challenges requires understanding the complex dynamics of food systems which involve a combination of internal mechanisms and external influences.

Objective:

This study, part of the FEAST project (Food systems that support transitions to hEalthy And Sustainable dieTs), aims to inform food system stakeholders about the micro, meso and macro level influences on individuals' food preferences and purchasing and consumption behavior (e.g. social, cultural, marketing, food distribution, regulatory, political, socio-economic, etc.), with a focus on how these factors vary across different European regions and vulnerable groups.

Methods:

Methods:

The study uses a quantitative cross-sectional research design involving 27,000 adults (18-85+) from 27 European countries across the five FEAST food regions (Anglo-Saxon, Central European, Scandinavian, Southern European and Eastern European). In addition to the vulnerable groups that could be captured in the main survey, an additional 400 vulnerable individuals from the Down syndrome (DS) community (including family carers) will be involved in five European countries (Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Scotland). To achieve our target of 27,000 participants we rely on the services of a market-insights gathering platform, with an extensive reach of panel members across Europe. Vulnerable groups are reached through the involvement of national associations. Data are collected using a comprehensive 88-item questionnaire covering dietary patterns, food purchasing behaviour, drivers and barriers to healthy and sustainable eating, perceived sustainability of dietary behaviours, opinions on food system policy options and socio-demographic details. This questionnaire has been administered to carers of people with DS, while a specific questionnaire was developed for people with DS to explore issues such as eating habits, food appearance, neophobia, etc. in an easy way. Statistical analyses will be carried out to provide insights into the factors influencing consumption of healthy and sustainable diets.

Results:

The expected results aim to provide an extensive knowledge about the habits of Europeans, including specific vulnerable groups, in terms of food consumption (adherence to healthy and sustainable diets), purchasing behaviors, and facilitating and limiting factors; as well as sources of nutritional information and the individual attitude to support or not new policies promoting healthier and more sustainable diets by acting at the whole food system levels.

Conclusions:

The study's findings will contribute to understanding individual dietary habits and inform multi-level strategies for promoting healthier and more sustainable food consumption within and between European countries. Our data will provide an overview of the interaction between the final consumer and the food supply chain, shedding light on the nature of the food environments in which the interaction takes place. By providing insights into consumer behaviors and preferences, the research aims to support the creation of 'Win-Win-Win-Win' food systems across Europe that benefit all key stakeholders.