Survey - Majority Do Not Feel the Recession is Over

A survey released by ConAgra Foods in May shows that despite the ease on economic conditions, Americans are not soon to let go of their new frugal habits. In fact, while many experts say the recession is over, four-in-five Americans say they do not feel like it is and seven-in-10 say they will continue the savings habits they developed during the economic downturn.

The survey shows that the recession continues to impact the way people shop for and prepare food, and even as tough times subside, shoppers find their new frugal habits hard to break. In fact, of those who made changes to their food shopping or preparation habits, most of those changes will continue into the coming year.

• In the past year, 75 percent of Americans have cooked more meals at home and they say they will continue to do so and 69 percent say cooking has brought their family together and 61 percent say they enjoy cooking more.

• 79 percent say they will continue to focus on saving by using coupons, store specials or a budget, and two-thirds will continue to cut back on premium purchases.

• 67 percent of those surveyed say they have enjoyed becoming more of a bargain hunter.

• Half of those already making cutbacks will freeze more meals, and 38 percent will continue to stretch meals.

• About one-third of shoppers have sought to save money by stretching out meals with water or canned foods, or by buying more frozen or prepared meals.