Half of Brits unable to treat the family due to cost of living crisis
The cost of living crisis is impacting how we eat as a family, with nearly half (46%) of Brits now feeling like they are unable to treat their family as often according to new research.
The study, conducted by pub company and brewer, Greene King, has revealed how the current climate has changed the classic family mealtime.
Despite 70% of respondents believing eating out is good for family morale, money worries mean that over half (52%) go out for a meal as a family less than they used to, and a third (31%) now rarely ever eat out.
Over a quarter of families (28%) can only eat out when there is a deal on, and other cost saving tactics include choosing the cheapest items on the menu (25%) and ordering tap water instead of purchasing a drink (23%).
What’s more, one in five Brits now share a family meal less than once a month, and a third (34%) admitted they only eat together on special occasions.
When discussing reasons for being absent around the table, over half of respondents (57%) admitted that they don’t eat together due to work and scheduling issues, with a further third (30%) claiming that working from home regularly disrupts their evening meal.
Technology also plays a part, with over half (56%) regularly watching TV whilst eating their dinner, and a further 1 in 10 have the TV on with every single meal.
Almost half of respondents also say that they spend too much time scrolling on their phones, and only a third (36%) avoid using them entirely during family mealtimes.
Despite this, the majority (68%) believe that eating together is a good chance to spend quality time together as a family and 45% think it’s an opportunity to discuss each other’s problems.
To help bring everyone together at mealtimes, Greene King has launched ‘Feed the Family’, a deal which allows customers to buy two selected adult main meals and two children meals for just £15 or £20 at their local pub, location dependent. Additional children can then eat for just £1 when purchasing the deal.
Andrew Gallagher, Marketing Director at Greene King Local Pubs said: “Our research shows that the average family meal out now costs around £90 – which given the current climate it is unsurprising that families are struggling to justify.
“Local pubs are a great place for families to get together, enjoy good food and escape an environment that is often consumed with distractions such as TV and work.
“To ensure we don’t miss out on the importance of family meals and to support our customers during these difficult times, we have launched Feed the Family, which will enable a family of four to enjoy a meal out for just £15-£20, with additional kid’s meals available for just £1.
Those wanting to take advantage of the Feed the Family deal can do so every weekday until 26th February at participating pubs, and can choose from a selection of pub classics, including Fish & Chips, Lasagne and Mac & Cheese.
