Researcher Uncovers Key Factors Driving Food Stockpiling Behaviour During Pandemic

Oluchi Chibuzor

The COVID-19 pandemic turned everyday life on its head. Empty store shelves, long lines, and a rush to stock up on food and water became common scenes.

But what truly drove people, especially within minority communities to fill their pantries? A new study led by Dr. Olufemi Fabusoro, a public health researcher, provides valuable insight.

Published in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, Dr. Fabusoro’s research focused on Black and Latino adults in Illinois.

His team sought to understand the psychological, social, and economic reasons behind the spike in food stockpiling during the pandemic.

Dr. Fabusoro, said the pandemic exposed deep-seated vulnerabilities in our communities.

“Understanding why people felt the need to stockpile is crucial for ensuring that, in future emergencies, we are better prepared and more equitable in our response,” he noted.

One of the most striking findings was that larger households were more likely to stockpile. With more people to feed, the instinct to secure resources early was strong.

On the other hand, individuals who self-quarantined more often actually stockpiled less, suggesting that having easier or continued access to essential items may have lessened the perceived need to hoard.

Anxiety also played a powerful role. People who felt more worried about the virus and its potential effects were significantly more likely to purchase large amounts of food and water. The study shows that fear and uncertainty can influence not just emotions, but concrete behaviors around consumption and preparation.

Initially, there appeared to be differences in behavior between Latino and Black participants, but a deeper look revealed that household size and pandemic-related concerns were the stronger factors.

This finding underlines the importance of not making assumptions based on ethnicity alone, and instead looking at the broader social context.

Dr. Fabusoro explained, “his research helps us move beyond the idea that people were just panicking. It reveals the complex and very real concerns that influenced how individuals responded to a crisis.”

The implications go far beyond academic interest. Dr. Fabusoro believes the findings should inform future public health strategies. For instance, support programs that specifically assist large families and low-income households could reduce the pressure to stockpile.

“Improving how authorities communicate during emergencies by addressing fears, correcting misinformation, and offering culturally tailored messages can also help people feel more secure. The study emphasizes the need for targeted support programs to assist vulnerable populations including community food banks, mobile pantries, and expanded access to nutritional resources,” he explained further.

In addition, the research highlights a need to strengthen food supply chains to make sure all communities can access what they need, even during crises.

“If we address the root causes of food insecurity and take the time to understand people’s behavior, we can build communities that are more resilient and better equipped for the future,” he said.

Dr. Olufemi Fabusoro is a clinical nutritionist and researcher with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

He has been deeply involved in community health and nutrition advocacy and has received several prestigious research fellowships for his work on nutrition and chronic diseases.

Prior to his move to the U.S., he lectured at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and continues to serve as a mentor and consultant through his work with Nutrition Lifecycle Consulting.