Family Meals Made Easy

Family, friends, and food. Together they create the memorable moments that make up who we are. And we know for so many, mealtime has looked a lot different lately. Whether that’s fewer friends around the table as we practice social distancing, or more hectic meals now that meals traditionally eaten outside the home are forced in. In fact, a new study called, Home Cooking in America 2020, shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 40 percent of American adults say they are now cooking more. But it turns out there is a silver lining and the increased meals eaten together in the home are having a positive impact.

Numerous studies underscore the long-term health, academic, and societal benefits of consistently eating together as a family. For example, families who frequently cook at home eat healthier meals with fewer calories. Additionally, regular family meals are linked to the kinds of outcomes that we all want for our children: higher grades and self-esteem, healthier eating habits, and less risky behavior.

So there you have it, science supports what IGA's Hometown Proud store owners around the world have always known: home-cooked meals nourish the spirit, brain, and health of all family members. 

Juggling jobs, kids, and the demands of a new normal during the pandemic means family meals may have new challenges, which is precisely why IGA wants to be your partner for meal time solutions, beginning with National Family Meals Month. 

All through the month of September, IGA is helping making family meals easier with resources to help give you the simple, healthy meal solutions you need:

• Sign up for our new Recipe Club newsletter subscription where you’ll be the first to know of new, delicious recipes--we guarantee there’s a recipe you and your family will love.
• Look for the featured Family Meals Made Easy recipes on our Savings page! Each recipe is tied to items on sale.
• Keep an eye out for the nourishing prepared meals our local grocers offer in-store as your quick and easy meal solution!

Follow us on Facebook for family meals content, including shopping tips and recipes, and share your own family meal experiences, misadventures, and solutions within your social channels. And, remember, use the hashtag #FamilyMealsMonth to be part of the conversation!

IGA is committed to taking care of the families and communities we serve, which is why inspiring families to eat at home together more often is so important to us. We are proud to celebrate National Family Meals Month™ with you this September!