Why Meals Matter
When family or friends come together to share a meal, they are sharing more than just food. Shared meals create time for connection and learning.
At Dairy Council of California we believe that family meals matter and encourage everyone to share a meal with a friend or relative at least once a day.
Why Family meals matter:
When was the last time you sat down for a meal with your family? Was it last night, last week or last 
month? For some families, eating together is reserved for special events and holidays, like birthdays or Thanksgiving. These special occasion meals allow families to connect with each other, strengthen family ties and pass on family cultural traditions.
But family meals don’t have to be reserved for special occasions. Family meals can happen any time of day, any day of the week! If the words “I’m too busy” pop into your mind, you’re not alone. You probably even hear this from other parents and peers.
But family meals can fit into even the busiest of schedules and they offer a host of benefits for children and adults alike!
Children who eat with their families are better nourished, have lower rates of obesity and better vocabularies. These factors can have a positive impact on classroom behavior and academic performance. And when it comes to improving the health of our children, family meals are a great way to instill healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.