Survey Reveals Back-to-School Strain on Families Bob Evans Farms commissioned a survey of 2,000 millennial parents of school-aged children that underscores the pressure families face during the back-to-school season. The data, collected by Talker Research in May and June 2026, reveals that parents spend an average of 38 minutes daily driving children to and from activities—totaling 6,858 minutes, or about 15 full workdays, over a school year. Seventy-seven percent of parents say the season makes everyday life feel more hectic and unpredictable, while 71% report increased spending on school-related expenses compared to the prior year. The survey also found that 90% of parents struggle to devise new dinner ideas during the school week, with nearly one-third thinking about what to cook multiple times daily. Sixty-six percent feel overextended getting meals on the table, and nearly 80% rely on fast, simple solutions to get through busy evenings.
Addressing the Meal-Prep Challenge Bob Evans, which markets refrigerated dinner sides including mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese, is positioning its products as a solution to weeknight cooking strain. "Back-to-school is one of the busiest times of the year for families, with packed schedules, activities and getting back into routines," said Jason Roche, vice president of the Bob Evans Farms portfolio. "Bob Evans fits into that rhythm with real, ready-to-heat solutions families can count on to deliver the quality and comfort they expect." The company is partnering with actress and Rolling Clover co-founder JoAnna Garcia Swisher to share practical tips for managing the season. Garcia Swisher recommended keeping single-serve Bob Evans macaroni & cheese and mashed potatoes on hand for after-school snacks before extracurriculars, using shared digital family calendars to coordinate schedules, and transforming Bob Evans sides into complete meals by adding proteins and vegetables.
Giveaway and Product Availability Bob Evans is running an Instagram giveaway through August 26 with 50 prize packages, each including an OmieBox lunch box, Skylight Calendar, 18-ounce Yeti water bottle, school supply gift card bundle, and a half-year supply of Bob Evans products. Consumers can enter by following @bobevansgrocery, liking the giveaway post, and commenting with their favorite back-to-school tip or hack with #Sweepstakes. The company's refrigerated dinner sides are available in family size and single-serve formats at grocery retailers nationwide. According to Circana data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, Bob Evans holds the No. 1 position in refrigerated dinner sides.
Why It Matters
For grocery operators and meal-kit retailers, this campaign reflects a sustained consumer preference for convenience products that reduce weeknight cooking friction. The back-to-school period represents a seasonal volume opportunity for refrigerated side dishes and prepared meals.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
