Introduction:

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency due to SARS-CoV-21. On March 11, 2020, the global pandemic due to COVID-19 was declared, with which the Colombian government decreed mandatory preventive isolation in the country2. In May, Cali reported 1,635 confirmed COVID cases and 85 deaths from a virus with a 4.95 % case fatality rate3. This situation affected families eating routines during this period. Considering that this situation was atypical in the country, it was necessary to describe the perception of feeding behavior during this first trimester of mandatory preventive isolation in the city of Cali, considering the biosafety standards established by the national government.

Objetive:

To describe the feeding behavior of 1,814 families in Cali during the first trimester of mandatory preventive isolation.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study. A virtual instrument composed of 28 items was applied, which investigated the feeding behavior of the families. Convenience sampling.

Results:

The results show that the economic income of families, as well as the distribution of expenses within the home, were affected in the evaluated period. In addition, it was found that 95.1 % of households perceived shortages and price increases in foods that make up the family food basket; 67.2% of families were concerned about food. There was an increase in food consumption and the number of perhaps consider, meals per day was modified. Eating habits, soft drink intake and alcohol consumption also changed during confinement in the evaluated time.

Conclusions:

It can be affirmed families modified their feeding behaviors during the first quarter of quarantine due to COVID-19. Because the economic income of families was affected, the money available for food purchases was affected as well. During this time, perhaps consider: meal frequencies and, in general, the variety in food intake was also modified. Finally, the results suggest perhaps consider: a negative effect in the food security of families.