DINNER TOGETHER
IT’s More than just food!
Eating Together is good for Children & Teens
Studies support the lifelong benefits of family meals. Eating as a family leads to healthier eating, and improves children’s learning and well-being.
Helps ChIldren Do Better in School
Parents are likely to know more about how children are doing in school.
Supports social-Emotional Development
Teens are more likely to have better self-esteem and less likely to experience depression or develop an eating disorder.
reduces Risky Behaviors
Children are less likely to use marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs, or have friends who use these substances.
Improves Nutrition & Supports Good Growth
Dinners at home are less likely to have too much sugar and unhealthy fats.
SAVES MONEY
Planning meals and cooking from scratch costs less than many prepared or processed foods.
ENCOURAGES FAMILY TOGETHERNESS
Family mealtimes help everyone know each other and feel they belong to each other.
A 2017 survey of Addison County high school students showed that teens who regularly ate family meals participated in fewer risky behaviors and had significantly lower substance use.
Dinner Together HANDOUTS:
Tips & Recipe:
Keep the peace during family meals
Tips & Recipe:
MAKE FAMILY DINNERs A Place of Connection & Belonging
Tips & Recipe:
BE PRESENT,
NOT PERFECT
Tips & Recipe:
FAMILY MEALS ARE EASIER WHEN YOU PLAN AHEAD
Tips & Recipe:
USE FAMILY MEALS TO EXPAND FOOD ACCEPTANCE
Testimonials From Parents
DINNER TOGETHER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS
We are all busy and finding the time to meal plan, shop, and cook isn’t easy. In addition to recipes, learn tips and trick for engaging the whole family.
What about Breakfast Together?
Any meal that brings your family together can improve intellectual and emotional learning and connection. Dinner time is a good time to reflect on the day, but another meal in the day is the next best thing.
IN THE NEWS:
The Washington Post
Seven research-backed tips to make the most of family meals, no matter how often they happen
Home Is Sweet Enough
When you don’t have sweet drinks in your house, it’s easier for your kids to stick with low to no sugar alternatives. Try just having water or milk with dinner and get ideas for swapping out sweet drinks here.
Home Is Sweet Enough
When you don’t have sweet drinks in your house, it’s easier for your kids to stick with low to no sugar alternatives. Try just having water or milk with dinner and get ideas for swapping out sweet drinks here.
OTHER RESOURCES
These websites offer additional recipes and tips, including ideas for conversation topics! Also, learn how you can get 3SquaresVT benefits to put healthy food on the table.
COOKING FOR ALL AGES:
EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET:
GET CONVERSATION STARTERS:
