Effects of COVID 19 on feeding habits among students of the Eldoret National Polytechnic residing outside college

Changes in the dietary patterns of Kenyans have been attributed to urbanization and acculturation, which were further hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research conducted amongst young adult populations documented several examples of poor dietary patterns associated with urbanization which include skipping meals, following fad diets, greater consumption of snack foods and avoidance of certain food groups, particularly fruit and vegetable. Covid 19 pandemic affected food system and nutrition in diverse ways disrupting accessibility and availability of food since its onset in 2019. This pandemic resulted in lower incomes, loss of jobs and higher prices of food and food products leading to food insecurity and stalling the efforts towards attaining the sustainable development goal SDG 2 (no hunger). The aim of this study was to provide insight in addressing the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome on feeding habits among the students of the Eldoret national polytechnic. Convenience sampling was used to get targeted respondents/participants. Descriptive survey method was used to collect data with the use of questionnaire as the data collection tool. The sample size of 115 was derived using from Krejcie and Morgan table. Categorical data was expressed using numbers; percentages and relationship between categorical variables was assessed using chi- square. Frequency tables, charts and graphs were used to present data. From the findings most of the students used gas burners as a source of fuel at 63.4% and bought food from street vendors, on cooking 70% stated that they preferred frying foods. On meal frequency 60% of the students stated that they skipped meals while 36.5 % said they ensured they took breakfast which they perceived as the most important meal of the day. It was concluded that time, purchasing power and emotional stability played a key role in determining feeding habits among students. There is need for nutrition intervention policies to relook at eating behavior which is determined by various factors.