Feasting for Less

These tough economic times require cost-conscious measures, but when it comes to the dinner table, a majority of Americans try not to end up being penny-wise and pound foolish.  In a March 2009 Marist Poll, 54% of Americans tell us they look for healthy alternatives in their everyday dinner recipes.  26% say their top recipe priority is its affordability, followed by 13% who want it to be fast, and 7% who need it to be kid-friendly.

However, money does matter.  Households with a family income of less than $50,000 divide: 45% look for a recipe that is healthy but 40% say their top priority is affordability.  This compares with 60% of families with an income of $100,000 or more who weigh healthy options highest.

And, as we age, concern with cost and speed declines and the value of healthy choices in the recipes we choose increases.

Everyday Recipe Table

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Links:

Nutrition Data:  Know What You Eathttp://www.nutritiondata.com/

http://www.nutritiondata.com/topics/recipes

Dietary Guidelines for Americanshttp://www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines/

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

Healthy and affordable:  Recipeshttp://healthyrecipes.oregonstate.edu

Healthy and affordable:  Money saving tipshttp://healthyrecipes.oregonstate.edu/stretching-food-dollars

Healthy dinner ideas from the Food Networkhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/ellies-healthy-dinner-ideas/video/index.html