Dinner Together
It’s about 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 & Recipes
Keep the Peace During Family Meals
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Make Family Dinners a Place of Connection & Belonging
Tips & Recipes
Be Present, Not Perfect
Tips & Recipes
Family Meals Are Easier When You Plan Ahead
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Use Family Meals to Expand Food Acceptance
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Stretch Your Food Dollars with Family Meals
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Pantry basics for flexible recipes
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What makes a family meal?
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Words matter
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Setting the table for success
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Building Trust at the Dinner Table
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Foster Resilience by Sharing Stories
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One Dinner at a Time
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Creating Household Rituals at the Dinner Table
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Dinnertime Conversation Starters
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You Matter to Me
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Inviting Laughter to Dinner
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Snack for Success
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Building Competence
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Know What’s On the Table
Dressings, Dips, and Sauces with Registered Dietitian Carrie Quimby
Soul Food with Pierre
Program Manager of Windham County, Elisha Underwood would like to introduce you to her dear friend Pierre Bartley through this 3 part short video series, Soul Food with Pierre. Soul Food with Pierre highlights a complete meal created by a local soul food enthusiast who has spent his life perfecting recipes taught to him at a very young age. He has found ways to change the recipes to add more flavor and reduce the fat content. Pierre shares that Soul Food is about a bringing people together in a family, neighborhoods or community. Consistent daily meals together can bond a family but also help students thrive in school and reduce risky behaviors. Pierre emphasizes the importance of how the time you invest by sharing meals together is just as important as what is on your plates.
DINNER TOGETHER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Testimonials From Parents
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.
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:
