Picture this. The family is sitting around a meal at the table. Children and parents share events of the day. Talking and laughing can be heard because there is no sound of television, video games, or phones.

Now, think about what might be more realistic. Perhaps people stand at the counter with the TV on, quickly grabbing something to eat before they dash out the door. Or maybe everyone eats alone at different times as they hurry to and from different events. Not surprisingly, with hectic schedules and little time, many families fall into the latter category and getting everyone together to eat can be a challenge. But research shows that it is definitely worth the effort.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, compared to kids who have fewer than three family dinners per week, children and teens who have frequent family dinners are:

• At 70 percent lower risk for substance abuse.
• Half as likely to try cigarettes.
• Half as likely to try marijuana.
• One third less likely to try alcohol.
• Likelier to get better grades in school.
• Less likely to have friends who drink alcohol and use marijuana.
• More likely to have parents who take responsibility for teen drug use.

From a nutritional standpoint, the American Dietetic Association has found that children who regularly eat meals with their family consume more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fat than children who do not. Casey Coombs, Utah State University Extension assistant program director for Food $ense (SNAP-Ed) and registered dietician, says making meals in your own kitchen gives you the opportunity to choose exactly what your family eats.

“Cooking at home allows you to increase the nutritional value of meals by incorporating a variety of healthful foods while also reducing nutrients of concern including sodium, added sugar, and saturated and trans fats,” she says. “Improving the nutritional value of your meals can result in long-term health benefits for the entire family.”

David Schramm, Utah State University Extension family life specialist, says eating together can benefit all families, no matter how large or small. Newlywed couples, who regularly complain about balancing jobs, school, and togetherness time, can greatly benefit from enjoying meal time together. And once the couple gets in the pattern, they will more likely keep it going after having children.

“A wise professor once told me that the purpose of the task is to strengthen the relationship,” Schramm says. “With that in mind, the ultimate purpose of family meals is not just to eat, but to eat together, talk, listen, and share. It’s important to turn off screens—phones and TVs—to focus on relationships.”

With that in mind, 90 percent of Americans surveyed in The Harris Poll of 2016 say cell phones don’t belong at the dinner table. Other technology, however, seems to be welcome, with nearly four in 10 eating their family meals in front of the TV.

“With the TV in the background causing a distraction, it’s difficult to concentrate on what those at the table are saying and to make any kind of a personal connection,” Schramm says. “And most likely, people aren’t talking or interacting at all—everyone’s just engrossed in the TV.”

Schramm says as you look at all the benefits that can come to children and families—nutritionally, socially, and emotionally—eating together as a family is definitely worth whatever effort it takes to make it happen, starting with meal prep together, even shopping together, cooking together, as well as the clean up after.

“These are all opportunities to talk—not necessarily about food, but about life and relationships and the things that are on people’s minds,” he says. “Eating together helps foster a sense of connectedness in the family and provides an ideal setting for adults to model and encourage positive communication and social skills in their children.”

LaCee Jiménez, Food $ense (SNAP-Ed) social marketing and eligibility coordinator, says Food $ense has implemented a campaign called “Create Family Mealtime” to help families with busy schedules and tight budgets learn how to have successful mealtimes. The campaign runs during Family Meal Month in September, but Food $ense also has resources to help families year-round.

“If eating meals together is a new endeavor, it is important to be realistic and set a goal all family members agree on,” Jiménez says. “If dinner isn’t the best option, perhaps having family breakfast might work better. Be sure to schedule a regular time for whichever meal you choose so family members know what to plan on. Have family members check electronic devices at the door, and keep the conversation positive, trying to involve everyone.”

Food $ense provides quick tips, meal plans, recipes, and ideas for overcoming family mealtime challenges. The program also has classes to help participants learn cooking skills and ways to be fit on a budget. Visit CreateBetterHealth.usu.edu to learn more. For information about upcoming classes taught by certified nutrition education assistants in your area, contact your local USU Extension office.

By Julene Reese ’85