New survey reveals half of Australian families skip dinner over money and food doubts

New data shows nearly half of Australian families are not eating dinner together, leaving food for thought in how our dining habits have changed with rising costs.

A growing number of households are ditching the dining table over mounting living pressures and busy lifestyles, as experts warn the detrimental trend could have irreversible effects on a stable family dynamic.

Social researcher Mark McCrindle said families have returned to worse than pre-pandemic realities of being “stressed, rushed and pressed for time” which was “not a sustainable approach to life.”

He explained that regularly sharing a meal together as a household was pivotal for developing life skills and values, especially among the younger generation, and failure to do so would have “detrimental” impacts.

“It is one of the last remaining times in our calendar where families get together in an increasingly separated community (where) we’re more isolated,” he said.

“The more we can make it priority on not only building those social bonds and household connections, the better. It would be detrimental to lose more of that from our family routine.”

The Procter family with mum Natalie and kids Max 16, Lily, 14, Holly, 12, having dinner at home in Castle Hill. Picture: Justin Lloyd

New research has revealed that families are losing valuable time with one another with less than half of Australian households hooking into supper together regularly.

The survey, from meal solutions company QuiteLike, found that only 45 per cent of Australians will eat in company despite nearly 90 per cent of people wanting to do it more often.

Families are sharing a meal about four times a week or less as a direct result of busy lifestyles, rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures, which are forecast to get worse.

Many are forced to eat on the go or behind the wheel, while others resort to eating meals on the couch or tucking into a feed on the sidelines during weekend sport.

“Life is busy with families competing against devices, work and extra-curricular commitments but amid the chaos, family dinners help us re-set, connect and share healthy food habits, learn new cooking skills and appreciate quality food together,” QuiteLike’s GM Kirsty Davis said.

“There are numerous studies that show families eating together most nights will lead to healthy eating habits, boost confidence, increase vocabulary in small children and strengthen family relationships across all ages.”

Mum of three Natalie Procter aims to preserve the tradition of family dinnertime. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Over in Castle Hill, the Procter family makes a conscious effort of making sure the whole family is in attendance for dinner every night, even if it means eating late.

“I grew up having dinner with my family every night, so for me it’s quite important,” mum Natalie said.

“That said, it can be challenging with co-curricular activities. It’s actually a miracle that we manage to have family time together (but) I’d rather wait, debrief the day and hang out together and then end up going to bed later.

“The kids are at an age when you really get along (and) it’s actually a really nice social time.”

Skyrocketing costs have seen families wind back on takeaway meals with only half of household opting for fast food or a restaurant-made meal once or twice a week.