Consumer Impact

Nielsen utilized two survey vehicles to study and evaluate the impact of National Family Meals Month™ in 2016. They conducted a Harris Poll with more than 2,000 respondents and the Homescan Omni Survey representing more than 21,000 respondents. The findings indicate that National Family Meals Month™ activities helped numerous families appreciate the benefits and importance of eating meals together and provided them with the tools and resources necessary to make those meals a reality. Findings include:

• Finally, National Family Meals Month™ was recognized as a Silver Award winner in 2016 by the American Society of Association Executives in “The Power to Enrich Lives” category. The Power of A Awards recognizes organizations that develop programs that positively impact America and the world.
• National Family Meals Month™ is valuable. More consumers agreed that it is extremely or very important to eat meals together as a family when they had familiarity with the campaign (85% vs 64%).
• 2016 provided greater engagement. Shoppers experienced the campaign through more in-store displays and advertising compared to 2015.
• Shoppers who saw a National Family Meals Month™ campaign had positive reactions. 85% of shoppers said they took action after seeing the campaign (up from 75% in 2015). 95% of those who saw the campaign on social media and/or email said that their consumption and/or shopping behavior changed.
• Families took specific actions after seeing the campaign. Households with children represented 59% of those seeing the campaign and reported the following changes in their behavior: eating together more often (49%), purchasing more fruits and vegetables (44%), cooking more meals at home (42%), starting to plan meals (40%), and purchasing meal solutions (32%).
• In addition, actions were taken in families without children. Households without children represented 41% of those who saw the campaign. Of these households, 1/3 said they thought the campaign was a good concept. About a ¼ said it inspired more time together as a family and that they plan to purchase more fruits and vegetables after seeing the campaign.
• It is important to make family meals practical. Families find it challenging to make meals and healthy eating a reality. In fact, households with children are 50% more likely to say that implementing family meals is impractical compared to households without children. Targeting solutions for healthy, easy meal options for families with children is a priority.
• Food retail fresh prepared offerings are a solution. 32% of households with children said that they plan to purchase more meal solutions after seeing the campaign. In addition, 43% of consumers reported fresh prepared being more cost-effective, more portion controlled (32%), and report appreciating the meal deals (26%).

Finally, National Family Meals Month™ was recognized as a Silver Award winner in 2016 by the American Society of Association Executives in “The Power to Enrich Lives” category. The Power of A Awards recognizes organizations that develop programs that positively impact America and the world.