Learning Experiences about Food Supply Chains Disruptions over the Covid-19 Pandemic in Metropolis of Latin America

The COVID-19 pandemic changed education by disrupting activities and interactions among all stakeholders. However, this event also opened new possibilities, as in higher education, to explore the future implications of the pandemic for learning purposes. One possibility is about the study of supply chains where delivery times and product quality were affected during the sanitary emergency. One essential category of goods strongly affected is food concerning availability, accessibility, and affordability because of physical limitations, mandatory ordinances, or deficient infrastructure. This situation interrupted supply chains affecting food provision and procurement across different social groups and locations, especially in disadvantaged or poor communities or countries. Accordingly, this work explores, from the perspective of Industrial Engineering education, the effects of the pandemic on food supply as relevant learning experiences about relevant contemporary issues. Learning experiences can refer to present difficulties in food supply during the pandemic; however, other possibilities might exist to improve food security in the future. Thus, a study of the pandemic situation in Latin America has been implemented about food supply. An online survey using internet social networks helped to collect data about people's profiles, consumption preferences, and shifts in food demand and supply over the pandemic in the two main conurbations of Mexico and Bolivia. Data analysis studied the impact on distinct age groups, locations, and income levels. Results explore consequences in the food provision because of increasing delivery times, shortages, and price rises. These findings can help to conceptualize learning experiences to strengthen food security in urban areas. ©The authors, Proquest.