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Back-to-school stress starts
in the grocery store

Back-to-school stress starts
in the grocery store

It’s not all about notebooks and number 2 pencils. In fact, most parents dread back-to-school shopping—at the grocery store. A new HelloFresh survey conducted by OnePoll reveals this and more about our food habits as children return to classrooms.
It’s not all about notebooks and number 2 pencils. In fact, most parents dread back-to-school shopping—at the grocery store. A new HelloFresh survey conducted by OnePoll reveals this and more about our food habits as children return to classrooms.
The chore of grocery shopping

The chore of grocery shopping

In a survey of 2,000 parents with school-aged children, 54% feel stressed about grocery shopping. Staying within budget and accommodating everyone’s food preferences were both cited as specific pain points. Grocery shopping also takes time—time that parents have less and less of as families adjust to new school and work schedules.
50%
of parents are concerned about their budget
56%
of parents stress over expensive groceries
49%
of parents worry about accommodating everyone in the family
58%
of parents budget for back-to-school season
44%
of parents worry it will be difficult to prepare all meals for their child as school reopens
$390
Parents spend an extra $390 on groceries per person during the school year
50%
of parents are concerned about their budget
56%
of parents stress over expensive groceries
49%
of parents worry about accommodating everyone in the family
58%
of parents budget for back-to-school season
44%
of parents worry it will be difficult to prepare all meals for their child as school reopens
$390
Parents spend an extra $390 on groceries per person during the school year
Unpacking school lunches

Unpacking school lunches

Packing lunch is bigger than PB&J—59% of parents are stressed just thinking about it! And the expense is just the beginning. According to the survey, 40% of parents simply don’t have time to make lunch. It makes sense. On average, parents pack lunch for school three times per week.

When it comes to lunch, dinner is a good place to start: 27% of parents said their children requested leftovers for lunch. And 32% strongly agree that they prefer it that way, as it saves time in the kitchen and, ultimately, at the grocery store.

The survey found that 57% of parents prioritize healthy food for lunch, with 83% packing vegetables and fruit. These more expensive items are often what comes home at the end of the day, adding to parents’ frustration.

Foods Kids Leave Uneaten At Lunch

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De-stressing Dinner

De-stressing Dinner

Like packing lunch for school, getting dinner on the table is no small feat for busy parents. Most find it stressful to plan and prepare dinner, and many are worried about how the new school year will impact their schedules.

Healthy meals are a priority for parents, but children are most influenced by what their peers eat. Needless to say, the dinner menu is a hot topic in many households.

59%
of parents find making dinner stressful
34%
of parents are stressed just thinking about dinner during back-to-school season
35%
of parents say healthy options are the most important mealtime consideration
50%
of parents discuss what’s for dinner with their family
47%
of parents decide what to make based on their schedule
59%
of parents find making dinner stressful
34%
of parents are stressed just thinking about dinner during back-to-school season
35%
of parents say healthy options are the most important mealtime consideration
50%
of parents discuss what’s for dinner with their family
47%
of parents decide what to make based on their schedule

Ace back-to-school meals with HelloFresh

Get off to a good start with quick breakfasts and count on easier nights with ready-to-pack lunches and snacks. Even dinner is a cinch with One Pan and 20 Minute Meals that are low on prep and big on flavor—Quick & Easy wins for any time of year.
Stress less by cutting out grocery runs between work, school, and home. HelloFresh offers farm-fresh ingredients delivered right to your door.
With 50 menu and market options every week, you can expect less drama at the dinner table. Choose from a near-endless variety of recipes, from Vegetarian meals to Takeout Favorites, as well as side salads, garlic bread—even cheesecake for dessert!

Want to learn more?

Want to learn more?

Check out what HelloFresh is about.
Check out what HelloFresh is about.