This week we bring you the 2012 food trends to watch. Today's trend number seven is all about the evolving role of fathers and their importance as caregivers.
Trend #7: The new role of the male shopper
This time it is not about the metrosexual – it is all about “dad” and family. After surveying 1,000 professional fathers from Fortune 500 companies in four different industries, Boston College Center for Work and Family learned that, “Today’s dads associate being a good father just as much with the role of effective caregiver as the traditional role of breadwinner. These men want to be engaged parents and successful professionals, yet find conflicts as they try to achieve both objectives.” Because of the economy, more men are at home. The good news for them is that studies suggest a link between husbands who help out at home and happier relationships. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, “For husbands and wives alike, the more housework you do, the more often you are likely to have sex with your spouse,” and that’s when they are not burning calories while cooking – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 41% of men are now doing the food preparation as compared to just about half that amount in 2003.