HOW FAMILIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED

- 1 in 4 people have been personally affected by foreclosure or job loss. 61% know others who have been through foreclosure or job loss, with 40% reporting knowing 2 to 5 people affected.

- 63% say their finances have been negatively impacted by the current economy with income, retirement/investments, home value and cost of living being cited as the top areas affected.

- Nearly 40% plan to give less to the needy this holiday season as compared to last year.

SHOPPING AND FEEDING FAMILIES HAS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT

- 54% say grocery shopping has become more difficult as compared to this time last year.

- 27% of shoppers say the cost of groceries will affect the quantity and quality of food they'll be feeding their family this holiday season.

- 22% of West Coast consumers are having trouble or can no longer afford feeding their family the way they liked due to the cost of groceries.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: HOW WEST COAST SHOPPERS ARE MAKING MEALS AFFORDABLE AND HEALTHY

- Despite uncertain times, 78% of shoppers say that grocery shopping is something they feel they can control, versus other economic factors.  

- 43% say they go to the grocery store less often than they did a year ago, but when they do, 78% are shopping smarter and have a sense of accomplishment when they save. 57% are planning meals and only shopping with a list.

- 63.1% choose chicken as a protein source when preparing a healthy and affordable meal.

- 35% say they are actually eating healthier in this economy.

- 63% substitute eating out with eating in at least once a week.

- 67% eat leftovers two or more times per week.

- 60% are buying fewer convenience foods.

- Half of those interviewed (51%) are cooking more “one-pot” meals like soups, casseroles and pastas.

- 63% are looking for restaurant deals when they do go out.

FOOD AND COOKING PROVIDE COMFORT, EMOTIONAL LIFT

- 85% take pride in cooking a meal for their family, and 87% report that family meals provide a source of comfort.

- 49% say cooking provides an emotional lift.

- 1 in 3 (30%) report eating more comfort foods now than they did a year ago. Chicken soup, mashed potatoes and roasted/fried chicken dinners rank as the top three comfort foods. (For layout, these stats could be highlighted or pulled out for emphasis throughout the site)

- 54% say grocery shopping has become more difficult as compared to this time last year.

- Despite uncertain times, 78% of those surveyed feel that grocery shopping is something they can control, versus other economic factors.  

- 87% report that family meals provide a source of comfort.

- 78% are shopping smarter and have a sense of accomplishment when they save.

- 63.1% choose chicken as a protein source when preparing a healthy and affordable meal.