BY VICKIE CLARK
Question: What has happened to family meals — doesn’t anyone eat together as a family anymore?
Answer: I’m afraid you’re right, family meals are on the decline. According to a Harris poll, only 30 percent of American families share dinner every night. No doubt, juggling jobs, kids and the demands of a busy, modern life often come at the expense of family mealtime at home.
Multiple studies show that home-cooked meals nourish the spirit, brain and health of all family members. September is National Family Meals Month, so UT Extension urges families in Carter County to pledge to prepare one additional family meal per week. September is the perfect month to spotlight the long-term benefits of family meals, and start a conversation that encourages and inspires people to return to the kitchen to enjoy wholesome meals together.
According to the Food Marketing Institute Foundation, there are many benefits to families in making and sharing meals at home:
• The more meals families share, the better their nutrition.
• Kids and teens who eat meals with their families 4 or more times per week earn better test scores and succeed in school.
• Children who grow up sharing family meals are more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior as adults, such as sharing, fairness and respect.
• Kids and teens who share meals with their family three or more times per week are significantly less likely to be overweight, more likely to eat healthy foods and less likely to have eating disorders.
• The more families share meals the less likely their kids are to drink alcohol, smoke, use marijuana or engage in risky behaviors.
Study after study provides significant, measurable scientific proof about the positive, lifelong benefits of family meals. Family meals nourish the spirit, brain and health of all family members. Family meals eaten at home have been proven to benefit the health and wellness of children and adolescents, to fight obesity, substance abuse and to make families stronger — creating a positive impact on our communities and our nation as a whole.
Discover how one small change per week can improve your family’s health and happiness. Take the Pledge to join the movement and commit to one more meal at home per week this September for #FamilyMealsMonth!
Vickie Clark is the Director of the Carter County UT Extension Office and also serves as the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. If you have questions or need any information related to Family and Consumer Science contact her at the UT Extension Carter County, 824 East Elk Ave., Elizabethton, call 542-1818 or email at vclark@utk.edu.