Heinz to Open ‘Cannection Café’ as New Research Shows Impact of Mealtimes on Family Connection and Sense of Belonging
- A survey conducted by Heinz found that most (80%) parents in Ireland believe uninterrupted family mealtimes could be the answer to increasing family happiness and 69% believe shared mealtimes improves family connections.
- But over a third (36%) admit that mealtimes are rushed or disrupted with the TV (38%), phone (34%) and work (33%) being the top three culprits for causing distractions.
- To encourage change and improve shared connections, Heinz and charity partner Barnardos are opening its ‘Cannection Café’ from 16th – 23rd August, offering a week of free Beanz-based meals to diners through its special ‘BEANardos menu’, where the only payment is conversation.
- Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, voices her concern for lack of quality time spent around the dinner table, while campaign ambassador, Vogue Williams, is lending her support, encouraging people to put down their phones and connect at mealtimes.
IRELAND, Thursday 15th August 2024: New research commissioned by Heinz has shed light on the important role of shared mealtimes in fostering connections and happiness for families. The findings also illustrate current challenges families are facing when it comes to spending quality time together at mealtimes.
The survey of 1,000 parents in Ireland found that less than half (47%) of families are eating meals together at least once a day, with a similar amount (43%) eating together much less often than that, including 1% who never eat together. Only 10% eat together more than once a day.
Even when families do manage to sit down together, 36% say their mealtimes are frequently rushed or disrupted, while 77% admit that uninterrupted family mealtimes are more difficult to achieve nowadays compared to when they were children. The findings indicate that TV (38%), phone (34%) and work (33%) are the top three culprits for distracting families at mealtimes.
However, the findings show how simple changes can make all the difference and the paramount importance of connecting over food for a family’s wellbeing:
- 80% believe that uninterrupted family mealtimes improve their and their family’s happiness;
- 69% believe shared mealtimes improves family connections (beaten only by holidays);
- 81% agree that loneliness would be improved if families shared uninterrupted mealtimes together;
- 77% would feel more connected to their children/family through uninterrupted mealtimes;
- 83% agree that regularly eating together as a family improves their and their family’s sense of belonging.
Commenting on the findings, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, said: “Sharing a meal together as a family is known to have incredible benefits for family members, ranging from eating healthier meals, improved family relationships, lower rates of stress, anxiety, low mood and loneliness, to higher rates of resilience and self-esteem. Mealtimes together provide an invaluable opportunity for the whole family to pause, to connect, spend time together, and simply check in with each other.
“The survey results concerned me as many families are not getting as many mealtimes together as they would like due to a variety of reasons, including technology, busy schedules etc. I am one of those parents who would like more family mealtimes together, but for whom life gets in the way; hence, I would ask any parent not to feel guilty, as we are all trying our best in a busy world. Fortunately, there are many ways families can work on this. For example, by planning at least one ‘good enough’ meal together at weekends, enjoying an evening snack together to chat about the day’s events, or even protecting some family time away from technology”.
To encourage this change and help improve shared connections, Heinz, along with its charity partner Barnardos, is today announcing the launch of its ‘Cannection Café’, where it will be offering free Beanz-based meals through an exclusive ‘BEANardos menu’ to anyone looking to connect with others over a delicious hot beansy meal!
The difference? The only payment taken will be through conversation, with diners encouraged to place their phones in a giant Heinz Beanz can for the duration of their meal. They can then use the opportunity to instead ‘cannect’ with each other, aided by Heinz and Barnardos ‘Cannection Kits’, which will include conversation starters designed in partnership with Dr. Malie Coyne.
The café comes as Heinz and Barnardos join forces for a third year to bring back its limited-edition three-packs of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz cans. Available in stores nationwide, the pack will help support vulnerable children and families all over Ireland, with every pack purchased seeing Heinz donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs.
Elaine McCague, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Heinz, said; “Our research highlights the significance of quality family time spent around the dinner table. Our founder, Henry J. Heinz, believed that the bonds we build with loved ones are as important as the food we share together. Today, his values live on as we continue to promote and support family mealtimes. We’re passionate about helping families across Ireland create lasting memories and believe everyone deserves the joy and togetherness that a meal shared around the dinner table can bring.
“Mealtimes are traditionally a time when families and friends come together, but as our lives come increasingly hectic and with the proliferation of smartphones stealing our attention; this time is rarer than ever. We hope we can play a part in helping this problem through our continued support for Barnardos and the launch of our ‘Cannection Café’.”
Heinz and Barnardos ambassador, Vogue Williams, has lent her support to the campaign, and wants to encourage families everywhere to put the phone away at mealtimes; “Being a family with very small kids, our mealtimes are continuously disrupted. But I try and prevent further disruption by always making sure we sit together and that no one’s on their phone or watching TV. When it comes to fitting in quality family time around mealtimes, for me personally it’s all about being present, sitting together, not being on your phone or even having an electronic device near you if you can.
“By raising awareness of these issues, we really hope that we can encourage change and get people to share more connections and time together.”
The Heinz and Barnardos ‘Cannection Café’ will be open from 16th – 23rd August at Meltdown, Dublin – simply ask for the ‘BEANardos menu’ when you get there.
NEW three-packs of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz will be available throughout August and September from major retailers such as Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu and Aldi from today, as well as convenience stores. RRP €3.59. Prices are at the sole discretion of the retailer.
To find out more about the donation, visit www.barnardos.ie
#HeinzXBarnardos #BeanzMeanzMealz
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- Consumer survey commissioned by Heinz through Markettiers and Opinion Matters, with 1,000 respondents (parents in Ireland with children under 18 years old). Data correct as of 11th July 2024.
- The Heinz & Barnardos ‘Cannection Café’ will be open from 16th – 23rd August at Meltdown, Dublin – simply ask for the ‘BEANardos menu’ when you get there.
- Address: Meltdown Dublin, 15 Montague St, Dublin 2, D02 AX68, Ireland.
- Opening times: Monday and Tuesday (8am-3.30pm), Wednesday-Sunday (8am-5pm).
- The ‘BEANardos menu’ will include the choice of one free beanz-based meal (Breakfast Beanz Burrito, Beanz on Sourdough Toast or Jacket Potato with Beanz), plus one free drink (juice, coffee or tea).
- The ‘BEANardos menu’ will be available while stocks last and subject to availability. Unit of one meal per customer per day. Offer is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
- For every pack of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ purchased, Heinz will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs. The children’s charity provides nutritious foods, such as Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz – naturally high in protein and fibre – at selected Barnardos centres across Ireland.
For more information, samples or high-res images, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]