UT/TSU Agricultural Extension is encouraging participation in the Dine In Challenge on Family and Consumer Sciences Day.
Officials said, "On Thursday, Dec. 3, UT/TSU Extension, in partnership with the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) encourages you to gather your family and Dine in together.
"Participating in the event is easy. Simply:
"1. Visit www.aafcs.org/FCSDay
"2. Complete the sign up form and pledge to dine in as a family on Thursday, Dec. 3.
"3. On Thursday, prepare and eat a meal with your family.
"Signing up for the Dine In event is simple. Yet, this simple act can have profound, positive benefits for your family."
Dr. Christopher Sneed, Extension Specialist with UT Extension, said, "Family meals serve as a time for children to learn positive food habits. Research shows children who eat meals with their families tend to have less rates of obesity, consume more nutrient dense foods and are less likely to develop an eating disorder.
"Even beyond these benefits, a host of other benefits can result from time spent as a family around the table.
“Family meal times produce amazing effects on children’s academic and social development. Children who take part in regular family meals have greater vocabulary growth, fewer behavioral problems, and better academic performance.
"The key thing to remember - it is the process of actually sitting down as a family, having conversation and spending time together that is the most important. Many families may worry they are not able to cook the “perfect” meal and thus forego sitting down to family meal time. Worrying over preparing the perfect meal should not be a concern. Any healthy meal whether it’s a one skillet recipe or something prepared using the slow cooker is the perfect meal for family meal time."