431. Rousing Research on the Power of Family Meals

This product is free for those who attended FNCE^® 2018.

Numerous studies have found that eating together as a family is associated with healthier dietary outcomes for all, and that children who regularly eat dinner with parents perform better in school and avoid risky behaviors. The Food Marketing Institute Foundation (FMIF) created a societal movement called National Family Meals Month^™ to encourage families to share one more meal together each week at home. FMIF also is funding an independent meta-analysis to identify if exposure to family meals improves nutrition and family functioning. This will be the first step toward identifying the mechanism underlying the relation between family meals and health outcomes. This session will review the body of research, including changing consumer behaviors, barriers to sharing meals at home, and the numerous benefits associated with family meals. It also will focus on thoughtful strategies to elevate family meals and help families make meals eaten together a priority in busy lives.

CPEU: 1.5
CPE Level: 2
Learning Codes: 4020, 3020, 4020

Learning Objectives

• Explain how changing household structures and habits of American families impact family meals.
• Describe the nutrition, cognitive, societal and other outcomes related to family meals for both children and adults.
• Discuss strategies to help families prioritize meals eaten together as a path to improved health and well-being.

Speaker

• Susan Borra, RD
• Julie McMillin, RD

Moderator

• Jennifer McDaniel, MS RDN CSSD LD