Consumer Poll - Vast Majority of Parents are Worried Fast Food is Teaching Poor Eating Habits

Lack of time most commonly named as barrier to preparing balanced meals

TORONTO, Feb. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Longo's (Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.) just released the results of "Longo's Healthy Eating Habits Poll" conducted on February 25 and 26, 2013, regarding Ontarians' attitudes with respect to their consumption of healthy foods.

Seventy percent (70%) of the respondents agree they worry that by buying fast food meals they are teaching their family poor eating habits. Moreover, 39% stated lack of time as the major barrier to preparing balanced meals. Fifty-six percent (56%) agreed convenience was the main reason for resorting to fast food purchases.

Longo's food experts were also interested in exploring consumers' savvy and their inspiration for cooking everyday meals. When asked which one meal best represents their family and their eating habits, 50% of the respondents indicated "meat and potatoes" versus nine percent (9%) felt "spicy stir-fry dish" best represented their family.

"This poll helps us understand and address trends about the eating habits of our customers. Ninety-four percent (94%) of people surveyed understand that diet has a direct impact on their health, yet people don't feel that they have the time to regularly prepare a healthy and inspired meal," said Rosanne Longo, Consumer Spokesperson and Chair, Longo's Family Charitable Foundation. "At Longo's we are dedicated to providing our customers with fresh, healthy, affordable food options but we must also offer suggestions an ideas to make it easier for people to eat a healthy diet."

With its roots in fruits and vegetables, Longo's has been dedicated to fresh and local ingredients since 1956. All That's Good is Longo's wellness initiative launching in-stores and in Longo's Experience Magazine on March 1, 2013 - a campaign that will provide customers with a broad array of shopping and cooking tips to promote healthier lifestyles. It will also highlight the importance of eating fresh and local foods. This issue is a direct response from our best customers' request to see healthier meal ideas and recipes.

"It is a well-known fact that eating habits are learned in the early years of a child's life. Parents are looking to improve their family's eating habits, and are hungry for quick and simple healthy foods that are tasty and appealing. Our in-store Fresh Bar helps our customers to prepare convenient, healthy meals by providing a broad variety of pre-washed and chopped combinations of vegetables and fruits. We make it easy for people to eat healthy," said Longo's Corporate Dietitian, Sandra Saville, RD.

To celebrate nutrition month, March 2013, Longo's is highlighting the following:

• The Fresh Bar providing a broad variety of pre-washed and chopped combinations of vegetables and fruits to prepare convenient and healthy meals;
• Healthier options from the Longo's Kitchen including fresh salad bar, hot ready-made meals and a variety of $6 heat and eat meals;
• Healthier options in Longo's private label;
• Expansion of gluten-free products;
• Broader selection of local offerings in produce, meat, cheese & bakery;
• Longo's will have a team of dietitians offering one-on-one consultations in select Longo's stores throughout the month of March.
• The Loft Cooking School is also featuring cooking classes inspired by the magazine - teaching consumers how to cook healthier meals.

"At Longo's, we know that preparing and eating healthy meals doesn't have to be costly or overly time consuming," continued Rosanne Longo. "Given that 58% of Canadians had difficulty knowing what makes up a healthy diet, we felt that it was our responsibility to help address that knowledge gap and is why we are launching our All That's Good campaign on March 1^st."

This poll was conducted by Forum Research among a randomly selected sample of 1615 Ontarians 18 years of age and older on February 25 and 26. The poll was conducted by Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3%, 19 out of 20 times.

About Longo's
A family-owned organization, Longo's first opened its doors in Toronto in 1956 and now boasts 25 stores across the GTA, employing more than 4,600 team members.  Grocery Gateway, the leader in online sales of home delivered groceries, is owned and operated by Longo Brothers Fruit Market Inc. since 2004.  Inspired by their Founders and their commitment to a Fresh Tradition, the Longo's team of food experts is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by offering the best food experience at a great value to every customer, every time by providing Fresh & Unique Offerings, Everyday Foods & Groceries, Services for Ease and Education and ideas.  Coming soon to Oakville in June 2013, is Longo's 26^th store, on Chartwell Road.

Follow us on Twitter: @LongosMarkets

Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LongosMarkets

SOURCE: Longo's

Odette Coleman
Mansfield Communications
[email protected]
416 599 0024 ex. 231