Food is one of the largest expenses associated with child-rearing, accounting for 15 percent to 20 percent of expenditures on children, according to the USDA report. Some of the differences may seem obvious. They spend more on groceries for one thing. They also tend to purchase unpackaged and bulk items more often than those without children. Money is not the only concern for families with children.
Time is a growing concern and households with children tend to eat out and order in.
One in four households with children 17 and younger say they are eating out more than they were a year ago. Close to 40 percent eat out once a week, while only 30 percent of those without children eat out this often. Almost half choose fast food restaurants as a source of these meals. Gourmet and specialty stores are the primary takeout source for 6 percent of those without children, but are only frequented by 2 percent of households with children 17 and under. With all the time and financial constraints tied to raising children in this day and age, it is not surprising that families with kids 17 and under take the time to plan their meals in advance.