Rabba survey reveals quirky facts about how Ontarians feel about meal planning and school lunches

Highlights

60 per cent of Ontarians often or always plan ahead before shopping for groceries.

60 per cent of Ontarians say they pop in to a grocery store for same-day meal ingredients at least once per week.

72 per cent of parents with families say they get more serious about grocery shopping in September. (The majority of adults without children don't change their regimen).

There are more Ontarians who LIKE to prepare school lunches than those who dislike it! 54 vs 40 per cent.

Parents who prepare lunches are confident their kids like their meals! (80 per cent are confident).

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2016 /CNW/ - With school in session, Ontario families will be getting back into a routine and getting serious about meal planning. A survey conducted by Rabba Fine Foods and Leger in late August reveals that nearly half of Ontario residents agree that when September comes around, they tend to get more organized with their groceries in an effort to plan better meals and school lunches.

One of the factors behind the drive for better meal and grocery planning is the school lunch we've all at one time or another either loved or hated. Nearly 40 per cent of Ontarians living with children under the age of 18 say they dislike packing lunches for their school-aged children; however more than half (54 per cent) say that they enjoy it. Respondents go on to say that the most frustrating aspects when preparing lunches are picky eaters (34 per cent) and finding balanced or healthy choices (32 per cent).

"We know that planning meals and preparing lunches for each day of the week is time consuming," says Jiries Rabba, Marketing Manager for Rabba Fine Foods. "That's why our buyers have worked throughout the summer months to source simple meal options for parents. We're confident that our customers will find the right ingredients and convenient meal options they need to get the job done, day in and day out."

The survey also shows that grocery shoppers with children are more likely to plan their family's meals for the week before going grocery shopping (72 per cent vs. 53 per cent), but are also just as likely to "pop into" a grocery store for that day's meal(s). The study also shows that nearly four-in-10 (38 per cent) of Ontarians prefer shopping at smaller grocery stores, when given a choice.

"This survey helps us to better understand our customers and how their grocery shopping habits change going into the fall season," says Rabba. "Our goal is to be the trusted neighbourhood market for our customers by providing them with access to a large variety of ingredients and supplies to make quick and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy."

Full survey results are available.

About Leger's online panel
Leger's online panel has approximately 475,000 members nationally – with between 10,000 and 20,000 new members added each month, and has a retention rate of 90%. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The survey was conducted from August 22 to August 25 and 1,006 Ontario residents were polled.

About Rabba Fine Foods
The Rabba family established its first grocery store in Toronto in 1967 and would take turns working around the clock in order to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rabba takes pride in its bright, accessible, local markets that offer customers all of their grocery needs in one convenient location. From the beginning, Rabba emphasized its commitment to offering exceptional service, value, product selection, quality and convenience. Today, there are 35 Rabba locations across the GTA and it remains a family-run operation. For more information on Rabba or any of its locations, please visit www.rabba.com.

SOURCE Rabba Fine Foods

Nicole Chin, Torchia Communications, 416-341-9929 Ext. 230, [email protected]; Sarah Todd, Torchia Communications, 416-341-9929 Ext. 224, [email protected]