The Power of Food to Nourish Connection

While most Australians agree we have an environmental crisis, the latest data from Relationships Australia shows we also have a social and relationship crisis.

As a population, we have fallen into a valley of disconnection with almost half feeling lonely at least some of the time. And while our natural instinct may be to believe the issue is particular to older generations, it's young people who are most affected.
Looking at this from a food marketing perspective, it may be tempting to dismiss the finding as interesting but not very relevant. But it's worthwhile thinking again.

The real power of food to nourish us, may lie in it's ability to connect us.

In our hyper-busy culture, stopping to share a meal with others provides a moment of social interaction and an opportunity for informal conversation. It provides a pause in the day allowing for human connection and this simple and humble act has significant health benefits.

Research shows teenagers in families who eat together have lower rates of depression, higher wellbeing scores, fewer risk taking behaviours and stronger relationships.

Other studies show those who eat together, sit down, eat less but spend longer doing it and find pleasure in eating, are 11% less likely to be overweight and 25% less likely to be obese.

While a great deal of our attention is placed on what to eat as a means of addressing obesity, overweight and lifestyle related diseases, how we eat could be just as important, and potentially even more powerful.

The science of nutrition assists us to associate what we eat with health outcomes, to understand what's in food and to develop healthier foods for the future. Similarly innovation assists to reduce the environmental impact of food production and consumption on the planet's limited resources. However tapping into the heart of food and encouraging re-connection by eating together is another ingredient that may not only assist with better health, but may also assist us to climb out of the valley of disconnection many people find themselves in today.

Food businesses who put all of these ingredients into their mixing bowl will appeal to the logical, emotional and social aspects of consumers desires to eat and live better.

#eatingtogether #foodforabetterfuture #poweroffood