For people constantly on the go or parents juggling multiple responsibilities, finding a work-life balance can be tricky. A recent Atomik study commissioned by the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA-headquartered National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) suggested that the time needed to prepare meals is one of the more pressing barriers Americans face regularly. Almost all of the respondents (94%) look for food options with a longer shelf life so it’s available for cooking convenience – and at least once a week, frozen foods have bailed out almost four in five (77%) parents during last-minute “what’s for dinner” conversations.
Finding ways to make mealtime preparation easier means one less chore to worry about, and it’s no surprise that a mix of nutritious ingredients, affordable meals and quick meal preparation time is what Americans want and need the most. This March marks NFRA’s 40th celebration of National Frozen Food Month, so it’s time to put frozen foods in the spotlight as they may be a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to adding easy to grab, nutritious ingredients to one’s dinner plans.
“With more than half of American parents (69%) indicating that they typically plan dinner on the fly, having a freezer full of frozen options provides quick, easy and healthy solutions for them during dinner time,” said Tricia Greyshock, the NFRA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Frozen foods can also provide peace of mind for parents, knowing that they can still provide nutritious meals at home rather than eating out.”
As part of ongoing initiatives throughout March, NFRA has partnered with chef and television personality Jamie Gwen (pictured above) to share convenient mealtime ideas for busy families. Here are links to several recipes:
• Easy Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Individual Blueberry Pie Trifles
• Sheet Pan Roasted Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Brussels Sprouts
“Whether it’s comfort foods, healthy items or innovative new cuisines, frozen foods are crucial right now, and it doesn’t mean having to sacrifice flavor or nutrition,” said Gwen.
The NFRA also sponsors Easy Home Meals to show families how to make tasty, simple meals with the help of foods from the frozen and dairy aisles of supermarkets and other retail stores. Frozen foods are just as nutritious as fresh ones due to quick-freezing processes that preserve the nutritional value, freshness, and flavor of foods. The website provides recipes for every taste and occasion using frozen and refrigerated foods providing families with meals that don’t sacrifice taste for convenience.
During March, the NFRA will also promote its annual $10,000 sweepstakes. Participants can enter for a chance to win one of 18 first prizes of $500 supermarket gift cards or the $1,000 supermarket gift card grand prize.
The NFRA has sponsored March Frozen Food Month since its inception in 1984, when Murray Lender, then president of New Haven, Connecticut-based Lender’s Bagel Bakery (Lender’s Bagels), helped create the first national campaign in the USA to increase frozen food sales. Today the month-long promotion continues to highlight the benefits and importance of engaging shoppers and encouraging the purchase of frozen foods.
