Updated 8/1/19: Here's the most up to date info: 

Answer: In 2016, spending at restaurants and bars surpassed spending at grocery stores! 

From US Census Bureau (with hat tip to Atlantic):

Answer: In 2015, spending at grocery stores and restaurants and bars were equal. 

Questions for students:

• What percentage of meals do you/your family eat at a restaurant? OR Do you think this national trend is consistent with your family’s experience?
• What do you think accounts for the trend you see in the chart?
• From a cost perspective, how much do you think you can save (on a percentage basis) eating at home vs. going to a restaurant?  For example, do you think it costs 10% less to eat at home? 40%? 50?
• What might be other advantages to buying groceries compared to dining at restaurants?

Want this resource and questions in slide format to use in class? Click here!

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Be sure to check out the NGPF activity: Rein In Your Wants

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.