Meagan Latimer, RDFood $ense Annual Conference

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Objectives

Identify benefits of family mealtime Describe and provide solutions to the

common barriers that prevent regular family mealtime

Identify resources that teach families how to plan menus, grocery shop and cook meals

Self-evaluation

How many of you have family mealtime (can be any meal): None 1-2 times per week 3-4 times per week 5-6 times per week 7 times per week

USA Snapshot

US family mealtime trends

The tradition of family meals: a history

Why was family mealtime important to you?

What are some of the best mealtime experiences you remember from your

childhood?

Please share some experiences.

How is family mealtime saving the world?

Emotionally depression self-esteem

Stronger sense of belonging

and security¯ family tension

behavioral problems

Mentally grade-point averageImproved vocabulary

More motivation at school

NutritionallyHealthier foods consumed

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy

soda and fried foodscalcium, iron, fiber and vitamins

Healthier adult dietsbreakfast consumption in adulthood

Physically overweight

eating disorders use of cigarettes,

alcohol, and marijuana

SociallyBetter adjusted adolescents (able to deal with pressure)

Better peer relationshipsImproved communication

Development of values and traditions

Strengthened family bondsSocial skills learned and

practicedLess likely to get into fights

“If it were just about food, we would squirt it into their mouths with a tube. A meal is about civilizing children. It’s about teaching them to be a member of their culture.”

- Robin Fox , Rutgers University

Family meals: central daily ritual opportunity in family life.

Oasis in a hectic day Time to reconnect, relax, discuss, debate,

support , laugh Face-to-face Same activity Sharing in conversation

• Putting Family First, William J. Doherty, University of Minnesota

Recipe for Pleasant

Family Mealtimes

Start with one busy family.

Add a strong commitment to regular

family mealtime.

Blend in time for family discussion and

planning.

Sprinkle with compliments and pleasant

conversation topics.

Yield: Strong family bonds and effective

communication.

The feeling of family mealtime

Create a positive

environmentInvolve family

members in

preparation

Allow children to

choose from

nutritional food

Have a set time

Serve small portions; encourage children to

ask for more if they are still hungry

Limit TV

Plan menus

Ask for meal ideas from

family members

“Cook once, eat twice.”

Be creative and flexible about when and where you eat.· Office· Park · Kids’

sporting event

· Office (if working late)

Any meal together counts.

Late dinner is

fine.

Set a minimum number of

required family meals per week.

Use shortcuts like crock pots or grab-

and-go meals.Have breakfast for

dinner.

Stock staples.

Make it fun!!!

Use

conversation

starters, involve

other family

members, make

foods into fun

shapes, and

laugh!

Overcoming barriers to family mealtime

Case studies Volunteers come and discuss possible

solutions for each case. Answer the questions:

• What does “family mealtime” mean in this case?

• What are the barriers?• What are solutions to these barriers?• What kinds of community resources are

available to help this family? Share.

Case Study #1: Marci and Bob

Case Study #2: Felicia and Tom

Case Study #3: Clint

Case Study #4: Gloria

Why is family mealtime an important issue for you?

Family and social support can increase compliance to dietary recommendations

Healthier diets in general

Decreased prevalence of overweight leading to decreased disease

“The best strategy for improving a child’s diet is simply putting food on the table and sitting down together to eat it.”

~Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/story?id=4618931

Thank you for your attendance and participation.

Menus aren't just for restaurants. They deserve a

special place of honor in every family’s home.

Leanne ElySavingDinner.com