September awareness campaign highlights multiple health and social benefitsof family meals

OLYMPIA — Sept.6, 2022 — With an aim to inspire families to eat at home together more often, the Washington Food Industry Association is celebrating National FamilyMeals Month™ in September, encouraging families to share one more meal together each per week at home, and highlighting simple, healthy meal solutions available in member stores.

“The start of a new school year is a great opportunity for families to come back together around a shared meal during Family Meals Month, ”said WFIA President and CEO Tammie Hetrick. “Planning and preparing a meal together then sharing it provides an excellent opportunity to check in, catch up on the day’s events and enjoy healthy, home-cooked food,” said Hetrick.

More and more, families are pressed for time not only to ea together, but to also find the time to cook. According to research compiled by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), 63% of Americans decide what to eat less than an hour before eating. Shopper studies also show that 81% of parents buy items with minimal prep time.

Grocers, neighborhood markets and convenience stores are trying to meet this need by offering an assortment of products that take the stress out of planning and preparing family meals: pre-prepped fresh ingredients, delicious readymade entrees and wholesome heat and eat dishes, and more.

“Grocers are the solution to the mealtime dilemma faced by modern, time-strapped families of all shapes and sizes. So many of our member stores are offering fresh, healthy and ready-to-eat meal kits. It’s so easy to pick up dinner on the way home from work, prepare it with family, and enjoy together,” added Hetrick.

“We are encouraging families to find time during their busy weeknights to reconvene and share a meal together. It’s a great way to start the school year off after a busy summer.”

Gov. Jay Inslee has offered his support of the month-long campaign with a proclamation declaring September “Family MealsMonth” in Washington state.  

“We’re excited to be a part of this initiative and help customers find ways to quickly prepare healthy, economical and nutritious meals at home,” said Hetrick. “There’s really nothing better than sharing a meal with your family around the table. Those are some good moments spent together.”  

About the Washington Food Industry Association
The Washington Food Industry Association (WFIA) is dedicated to promoting and protecting the independent, community-focused grocery and convenience store industry and its suppliers. Founded in 1899, the WFIA represents the state’s independent grocers and convenience stores. Membership includes all levels of the food and beverage distribution industry who collaborate to promote the principles of free enterprise to ensure a vigorous, competitive, economically healthy food industry. The grocery and convenience store industry provides about 50,000 Washington jobs. For more information, visit www.wa-food-ind.org.