The back-to-school study uncovers a growing emphasis on meal planning and cost savings amongst families
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Global, family-owned food company Rich Products (Rich’s) shared the results of a 2024 back-to-school survey, which highlights a growing preference amongst families for planning quick and healthier meals at home this school year. The survey, which polled parents of children ages 5-17, revealed consumers are shifting to more at-home meal occasions, prioritizing convenience, health and price when it comes to meal preparation. This presents an opportunity for retailers to make at-home meal preparation easier and more affordable for families, as schools across the country move back into session.
“With the new school year upon us, our Strategic Insights team wanted to better understand how family food behaviors and buying habits are evolving, so that we can help our customers respond to new preferences,” said Nick Czajka, manager, Strategic Insights Innovation, Rich Products. “As parents shift to more at-home meal preparation, there’s a huge opportunity for retailers and foodservice operators to make meal prep easier, without sacrificing health and price. For retailers, this might mean a focus on larger or value packaging sizes. For foodservice operators, this might mean driving renewed excitement through promotions and coupons, as consumers plan to reduce their commercial spend.”
Below are some of the key trends identified from Rich’s survey:
· Preparation is a Priority: The study found that over 66% of parents plan to look for quick meal solutions more often and conduct more meal planning. A quarter of consumers looking for quick meal solutions also say they’re planning to buy more hot or prepared foods while grocery shopping, which further emphasizes growing demand for easy at-home meal solutions. According to Datassential, consumers at large have shifted back to planning meals in advance, reporting that 71% of consumers say they have planned their most recent at-home meals in advance – a 10% increase from 2021.
· Finances are in Focus: The current state of the economy is impacting parents’ plans for back-to-school meal preparation. Forty-one percent of survey respondents plan to do more shopping at warehouse club stores this school year to take advantage of value packaging sizes, and 70% claimed they are on the lookout for more deals and coupons.
· Consumers are Health Conscious: Despite increased demand for quick meal solutions, healthy options remain a priority. More than half (54%) of parents cited a desire to prepare healthier and better-for-you foods this school year. Households that plan to eat healthier are also significantly more likely to increase their meal planning (81%) and increase their shopping at club stores (51%).
· Rise in At-Home Dining: Due to the increased emphasis on health and finances, the poll concluded that parents are prioritizing at-home meal preparation this school year. Forty-two percent of parents cited an expectation to prepare breakfast for their children at home more frequently, and 32% plan to cut back on takeout and delivery. Additionally, 50% of respondents plan to dine less at restaurants, and 41% reported that their family will eat less fast food.
For more information on Rich Products, please visit www.richs.com.
MEET RICH’S.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that families make…possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
