Do you want to raise children who are connected, physically and mentally strong, and brimming with self-esteem? Then plan to sit down to a family meal together several times a week.
It sounds overly simplistic, but the wide-ranging benefits of family meals extend far beyond the nutrition in the ingredients on the table.
In 35 years of ongoing scholarly research, multiple studies have shown the value of family meals for kids and parents. The research has proven that in families that regularly eat a family meal together, there is less depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, tobacco use, early teenage pregnancy, and also higher rates of resilience, which impacts mental health.
As part of National Family Meals Month in September, Hy-Vee is partnering with the Food Marketing Institute to encourage busy families to make the time to gather around their kitchen or dining room tables. Hy-Vee is giving away dinners to busy families so they can sit down and enjoy the food together.
On Sept. 13, the Maplewood Hy-Vee will give away 200 meals on a first-come, first-served basis in its drive-through. The offer is from 4 to 6 p.m. at the store at 2501 White Bear Avenue. Each entree will serve 4-6 people. The three entree choices are beef burritos, chicken noodle bake, or spinach Alfredo, a vegetarian option. No registration is required.
“There are so many benefits to sitting down and eating a meal with a family beyond the bonding time for all members,” explained John Blocker, the store manager of the Maplewood Hy-Vee. “Studies show that kids who sit down with their families for meals get higher grades, have higher self-esteem, and show other elements of success.”
Mental health experts have concluded that the magic of sit-down mealtime happens when families gather together to talk, laugh, share their day-to-day struggles, and support each other through life’s ups and downs.
In addition to the free drive-through dinners, Hy-Vee is also donating 100 family meals to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
Support Black local news
Help amplify Black voices by donating to the MSR. Your contribution enables critical coverage of issues affecting the community and empowers authentic storytelling.
