From STAFF REPORTS

Thousands of Georgia residents will celebrate the third annual national “Family & Consumer Sciences Day – Dining In for Healthy Families” December 1, 2016.  This is a national celebration that educates families about the importance of preparing healthy meals and “Dining In” together*. “Family & Consumer Sciences Day – Dining In for Healthy Families”, calls attention to something simple families can do to be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially healthier—prepare and eat a nutritious meal together. All families, students, teachers, school administrators, counselors and community stakeholders are encouraged to “dine in” with their family on December 1. Although December 1 is the designated day, any day can count for this event.
When was the last time you sat down for a meal with your family? For some families, eating together is reserved for special events and holidays.  These special occasion meals allow families to connect with each other, strengthen family ties and pass on family cultural traditions. However, family meals don’t have to be reserved for special occasions. Family meals can happen any time of day, any day of the week! Family meals can fit into even the busiest of schedules and they offer a host of benefits for children and adults alike!
Mealtime creates a feeling of togetherness and family cohesion. The concept of important family meals crosses all types of families whether nuclear, blended, co-custody, foster and adopted extended, stepfamilies, single parent, couples without children, extended families, foster and adoptive, transitional families, migrant families, immigrant families, or cross-generational families.
Regular family meals teach children many things that will enrich their lives beyond the immediate health benefits of eating nutritious food. Family meals help promote:
Memories-Taking the time to sit together at mealtime helps create positive memories for yourself and your family.
Enjoyment-The first and most important place where children learn positive attitudes about food and life in general is in the home.
Self Esteem-Mealtime conversation brings the family together and promotes positive self-esteem in children.
Life Skills-Children learn best by doing, not watching, so get them involved! You can teach children how to cook balanced meals for themselves by including them in meal planning, preparation and clean-up.
Traditions-Mealtime is an ideal time to strengthen family ties and pass on family cultural traditions.
Curiosity-Kids are more likely to try new foods when they are involved in meal preparation.
Relaxation -Shared time and positive experiences with your children is a great way to connect and relax together after a hectic day of work, school and errands.
Responsibility-Research has shown that cooking with kids and assigning tasks surrounding mealtime, promotes independence and a sense of responsibility in the kitchen – and in life.
Communication-Having conversations at mealtime increases your children’s vocabulary.
Love – Mealtime is the ideal time to remind your children every day that they are important and loved.
Marion FCCLA members feel this is a worthwhile project and would like for the entire community and school system to participate in. The holiday break will be a great time for everyone to participate.  Although the official day is December 1st, it is important for families to participate in this time together at any point in time and as many times a possible.
What does FCCLA need from you?  FCCLA would appreciate a picture of you and your family preparing and/or having a meal together. It can be at home or in a restaurant and can be with who you consider your family to be.  It doesn’t matter what the meal is. Please email all pictures to marionfccla@yahoo.com or ford.megan@marion.k12.ga.us no later than December 1st. These will be posted to the Marion County FCCLA Facebook page.
Be sure to like the Marion FCCLA Facebook page to receive easy and healthy recipe ideas.