The Canned Food Alliance Answers the Call for 'Back To Basics' With Essential Kitch...( According to Rutgers research famil...),Health

According to Rutgers research, families want guidance on kitchen basics and make positive changes when they receive it

PITTSBURGH, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With 2009 widely described as "the year of the home cook," it's no surprise that many Americans are getting reacquainted with their kitchens. However, a Rutgers University study published in the May issue of Forum for Family and Consumer Issues and commissioned by the Canned Food Alliance (CFA), recently found moms want, and need a better grasp of kitchen basics. When moms were given a roadmap for healthy meal preparation, grocery shopping, kitchen organization and food storage practices, all made positive changes towards providing nourishing, great-tasting family meals, according to the study.

The in-depth, qualitative Rutgers study was conducted among a subsample of moms of young children(1) across New Jersey - a diversely populated state that reflects national demographics. The researchers conducted interviews to identify the basic kitchen and food requirements of each mother and developed an action program to address them. The first phase of the study found that moms want and need:

• Ideas for easy, quick and healthful meals that include the use of short-cut ingredients like canned foods to speed prep time;
• Time-saving tips on healthful food preparation, ingredients and alternatives, methods and techniques; and
• Cost-effective strategies to help them get the most nutrition from their food dollar.

"Previous research showed that there is a disconnect between what families are keeping on hand and what they're actually turning into meals," said Carol Byrd-Bredbenner, Ph.D., RD, FADA, lead researcher, Nutritional Sciences Department, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. "This study reinforced the i
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