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So as not to waste anything, nearly a third of parents say they wind up eating the leftovers for dinner
NEW YORK — In a revealing new survey, American parents are shedding light on the complexities of packing school lunches and the creative lengths they go to ensure their children eat nutritiously. The poll of 2,000 parents with school-aged kids unveils some startling statistics about the modern school lunch experience and parental strategies for promoting healthy eating habits.
One of the most striking findings is that nearly a third of parents (29%) admit to eating their children’s uneaten lunch leftovers for dinner. This resourceful approach comes as parents estimate that, on average, 21 percent of their child’s lunch returns home uneaten each day.
The survey, commissioned by NatureSweet and conducted by Talker Research, paints a picture of evolving school lunch trends and the challenges parents face in balancing nutrition, taste, and convenience. While 43 percent of parents believe today’s school lunches are healthier than those of their own childhood, and 28 percent note increased variety, the classic sandwich (61%), chips (56%), and juice (52%) combination remains the most popular lunch option.
Parental guilt plays a significant role in lunch-packing decisions, with 60 percent of respondents feeling remorseful when opting for easy, less healthy options due to time constraints (20%) or their child’s pickiness (21%). This guilt has led to some extreme measures, with 79 percent of parents reporting they’ve gone to dramatic lengths to keep unhealthy foods away from their children. These tactics include avoiding certain foods at the store (30%), hiding them (18%), and even telling white lies (13%).
Dr. Martin Ruebelt, chief scientific officer at NatureSweet, acknowledges the challenges parents face: “As many parents know, it can be challenging to get your kids to eat what’s in their lunchbox, especially whole foods. With this study, we wanted to shine a light on how parents go the extra mile to give their kids healthy, nutritious foods, and the ways they get creative to keep their kids well-fed.”
The survey also reveals that presentation matters significantly in enticing children to eat their lunches. One-third of parents (31%) purchase snacks and foods with fun packaging to excite their children, while 24 percent rely on cute containers and lunchboxes. Remarkably, 54 percent of parents reported that their children are more likely to eat food if its packaging features their favorite TV show character.
Despite these challenges, parents are actively working to educate their children about wellness. The top strategies include teaching them about healthy foods and diet (42%), modeling healthy eating (34%), and prioritizing healthy habits in the family’s schedule (31%).
When it comes to grocery shopping, parents prioritize nutrients (54%), taste (45%), and cost (33%) for their children’s lunches. However, the survey also highlighted some of kids’ least favorite lunch foods, with snap peas (40%), green beans (36%), tuna salad (36%), and hard-boiled eggs (32%) topping the list.
The study paints a picture of parents juggling multiple priorities, with many describing themselves as “stressed” (30%) and “struggling” (21%). Yet, they continue to seek creative solutions to ensure their children receive balanced nutrition.
Dr. Ruebelt offers an optimistic perspective on incorporating healthy foods into busy lifestyles: “Incorporating whole foods and produce into your family’s diet and busy lifestyles isn’t as time-consuming as it once was. There are so many grab-and-go healthy snacking options on the market that incorporate whole foods such as produce that are delicious, convenient, and more importantly, kid approved.”
This comprehensive survey provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of modern parents as they navigate the complexities of school lunches and childhood nutrition. It highlights the ongoing evolution of lunch trends and the innovative strategies parents employ to promote healthy eating habits in their children.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 parents of kids aged 5-17 was commissioned by NatureSweet between June 4 and June 11, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
