Why Eating Together has Many Benefits

The Power of Togetherness

In a landmark study published in May, 2024, by researchers at the University of Minnesota and supported by the Barilla Group, new findings shed light on the profound connection between eating meals with others and overall happiness. The study shows a strong positive correlation between how often people gather around the table during mealtime and enhanced connectedness, reduced depressive symptoms and improved mood across individuals studied in three countries: the U.S., Italy and Germany.

More than 1,000 adults from each of the three countries participated in an online survey and answered a variety of questions about eating customs and habits at home, as well as related feelings, emotions and other well-being outcomes.

 "It is important to know that the benefits of shared meals go beyond avoiding negative health outcomes and fewer depressive symptoms; this research shows that shared family meals promote happiness and positive emotions," said study investigator William Doherty, a professor at the University of Minnesota.

Time to Connect

Conversation, including before and after meals, could be one way to drive connection around the kitchen. According to the research results, more than 50% of adults across each country studied reported sitting and talking prior to and after sharing a meal. Specifically, one frequent topic of discussion reported was the food on their plate, with 58% of U.S. participants saying it was the most talked about subject, followed by current events (45%) and TV shows or movies (41%). In Germany and Italy, the main topic of conversation was current news and events (approximately 69% and 68%, respectively), but food ranked a close second.(1)

Dedicated to You

Food service is a benefit that demonstrates TrippNT's core value of Dedicated to You. This recent study confirms what TrippNT has always believed: the benefits of eating together go far beyond the convenience factor.  A healthy and delicious lunch and snack have always been a part of TrippNT's culture. TrippNT started in the home of Sue Tripp, who served lunch to employees that she cooked herself. Eventually, business growth demanded that someone else do the cooking, but the benefit remains.

1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-power-of-togetherness-new-study-reveals-eating-together-is-key-to-wellbeing-and-happiness-across-the-globe-302149321.html

TrippNT has five core values. These values were identified and refined by the employees in 2020.  We have written a definition of each value. Additionally, we have defined a set of behaviors that demonstrate an employee is living this value.