As families adapt to today’s economy, they’re cooking at home again and basic skills are relevant for everyone. However, consumers are realizing that their kitchen skills have room for improvement. In fact, a recent Rutgers University study published in the Forum for Family and Consumer Issues and commissioned by the Canned Food Alliance (CFA), found that moms want and need a better grasp of kitchen basics. The study builds on previous research that identified a disconnect between foods that families keep on hand and the meals they’re preparing.

In response, Roberta L. Duyff, a registered dietician and home economics expert certified in family and consumer sciences, authored “Home Economics to Family and Consumer Sciences: Reinvented for Today’s Consumer” on behalf of the CFA. The position paper is a resource and perspective on the increasing need for a resurgence in the basic tenants of what historically has been called “home economics.”

Duyff reveals that consumers are trying to get back into the kitchen to save money, but many home cooks lack basic skills. They’re pressed for time and pressured to spend money wisely, yet still serve their families nutritious meals.

In 2009, 69 percent of Americans report eating out less compared to 2008 and about 55 percent are preparing more meals at home to control food costs and eat healthier, according to a survey from the Food Marketing Institute. While many have limited kitchen skills, moms and dads still recognize they are important. The good news is that when Rutgers researchers gave moms ways to implement healthful meal planning and preparation practices, they reported improving the nutritional content of meals. They also reported saving time by using short-cut ingredients, including canned fruits and vegetables.

Savvy consumers are taking advantage of cost savings by stocking up on versatile and nutritious canned foods. Home cooks have gotten creative. Some are browning canned chicken in a non-stick pan before adding it to a recipe for extra flavor, while others keep cans of fruit in the freezer to purée for an easy sorbet. The tremendous variety of canned foods available allows the at-home foodie to prepare a delicious meal that offers the most nutritional bang for the buck.

Frugality is “in” again. While taste remains the top factor in food shopping decisions, price is number two, according to the International Food Information Council’s 2009 Food & Health Survey. The grocery bill is one place where families can manage their expenditures. That means consumers are increasingly gravitating towards the center aisles of the store to trim their food bill. To make the most out of mealtime, consumers are appreciating that canned foods deliver the value, nutrition and convenience they demand.

To help home cooks make nutritious, delicious and affordable family meals, the Canned Food Alliance developed the Essential Kitchen Toolkit. Learn more at www.Mealtime.org.

This article was written by Rich Tavoletti, executive director of the Canned Food Alliance. It appeared in the July issue of Foodie News.