Dashboard dining on the decline

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Dec, 2004

Dinnertime means more to Americans than just eating a meal; it represents quality time. According to research conducted by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, High Point, N.C., 75% of families are dining together at home at least five nights a week. Furthermore, 85% of those who currently dine together four nights a week or less wish they could eat at home more frequently.

"If nothing else, the uncertainty in today's world reminds us to enjoy the company of family and friends, not just on special occasions, but on every possible occasion," says AFMA Vice President Jackie Hirschhaut. "Over the last several decades, the home has become a quick pit stop in a frantic family schedule. But today, more and more families are opting out of that hectic lifestyle, and one of the first things they're reclaiming is the family meal.

"Dashboard dining--eating on the go or in a hurry--is on the decline because parents and children alike recognize the opportunity to spend time with the people who matter most in their lives. Plus, families are rediscovering all the benefits of dining at home."

While the vast majority (78%) named spending quality time with their family as the biggest plus to eating at home, 37% feel that spending less money is the greatest benefit, followed by healthier meals (35%), having more control over the quality of life of one's family (18%), and feeling like a more responsible parent (16%).

"The in-home dining experience also provides greater flexibility for parents of young children, who may get restless in a restaurant," Hirschhaut points out. "At home, there are many options for where to dine, even if everyone is not at the same table."

Although AFMA's research reveals that 62% of the respondents have eaten a meal in their car within the past three months, most dining is done at home. The most popular places to break bread include the kitchen table (88%); dining room table (74%); sofa/couch (72%); countertop (41%); coffee table (36%); desk or computer station (34%); child's table (22%); outside porch or patio (10%), and in bed (10%).

Moreover, mealtime is for more than just eating. Although talking with family members is the most common add-on activity (97%) while they dine, participants also are occupied watching television (74%), listening to the radio (52%), talking on the telephone (41%), reading (30%), using the computer (29%), doing homework (29%), working (28%), and playing games (27%).