Plan the ultimate family night in

Unfortunately, with 14 million people in the UK living in poverty[1] – including 4.5 million children – the harsh reality is that not everyone can afford to put dinner on the table and enjoy those simple, but important, family moments.

No one should go hungry, and that’s why Dolmio have teamed up with anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust to take a stand against hunger. Food bank usage has risen almost 75% in the last five years[2] in this country, a figure that soared once again in March and April, due to the strain the coronavirus pandemic placed on so many families. Together, Dolmio are supporting the Trussell Trust’s network of food banks to distribute 2m meals to people in crisis.[3] Now more than ever, the charity needs your help.

Find out how you can help

Of course, when it comes to dinner, sustenance is just the start of it. Evidence has shown the many benefits family meals can have on our physical and mental health. Indeed, those precious moments around the table can be linked to higher emotional, and overall life, satisfaction for all ages.[4] And it doesn’t have to end with your meal – why not make a real night of it?

From fast and flavourful meals to movies that have rightly earned their spot on the family film hall of fame, here’s a little sprinkling of inspiration to get your evening off to the perfect start...

Eat

Family nights in call for tasty meals everyone will love – and minimal washing up. Fortunately, the Dolmio® range is packed with delectable sauces that will help you whip up a quality meal in no time. Try using the Dolmio® Original Bolognese Pasta Sauce to create a lip-smacking one-pot spicy arrabiata. All you need are onions, chilli flakes, linguine pasta and some roughly chopped tomatoes – just five ingredients, one pot and lots of happy tummies.

Or why not enjoy a delicious lasagne – the ultimate crowd-pleaser! All you’ll need is some lean minced beef, lasagne sheets, grated cheese and finally the Dolmio® Creamy Sauce for Lasagne and the Dolmio® Tomato Sauce for Lasagne, serve with your favourite veg or salad and you’re away. Forks at the ready…

Discover more recipes

Watch

After a good meal, there’s nothing quite like chilling out on the sofa with some entertaining viewing. And when it comes to celebrated family films, there are so many to choose from. If you’re after a movie that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, look no further than Disney’s Oscar-winning Pixar animation, Up.

If you’re in the mood for a timeless classic, the 1969 Western, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, starring Hollywood legends Robert Redford and Paul Newman, never disappoints.

Or why not go the extra mile with a movie marathon? The Lord of the Rings trilogy will keep you wrapped up in a world of fantasy and adventure for hours on end – just make sure you stock up on the snacks.

Here are some other family favourites:

E.T. Extra-Terrestrial

Edward Scissorhands

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Inside Out

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Toy Story 3

Jumanji

For more tasty recipe inspiration or to find out how Dolmio are supporting the Trussell Trust to distribute 2m meals to families in crisis across the UK, visit Dolmio.

Want more information on how you can support your local food bank by donating food, money or your time through volunteering? Visit the website below.

Find out more

This campaign is brought to you by Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s, in support of the Trussell Trust.

[1] Social Metrics Commission, 2018. A New Measure Of Poverty For The UK: A Summary Of The Report By The Social Metrics Commission. London: Legatum Institute, pp.25-35.

[2] The Trussell Trust 2020

[3] † In 2020, Mars Food UK Limited will donate £100,000 from the sale of its charity packs to the Trussell Trust. (Registered Charity Number England & Wales 1110522 and Scotland SC044246). © 2020 Mars or Affiliates

[4] Elgar, F., Craig, W. and Trites, S., 2013. Family Dinners, Communication, and Mental Health in Canadian Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 52(4)