The family table – a tradition worth keeping

I remember watching "The Waltons" when I was a kid, seeing the family gathered around the big table sharing meals. Even though my family wasn’t nearly as big as the Walton clan, family mealtime was an important part of my childhood where the vast majority of our meals were eaten at the dining room table. One of the only exceptions was during harvest, when we would occasionally eat a meal on the tailgate of the pickup out in the field, but we would still all be together. Even now, there is nothing like family holidays, with everyone gathered together for great food, conversation and lots of laughter.

In today’s fast-paced world, with work, school, and extracurricular activities pulling families in different directions, the tradition of family mealtime has become more difficult to maintain. Yet its importance remains just as relevant. Even setting aside one or two evenings a week for family meals can create meaningful connections that benefit everyone involved.

The Benefits of Eating Together

Research highlights the numerous advantages of sharing meals as a family:

• Healthier Choices: Families that eat together tend to consume more vegetables and less processed food.
• Academic Success: Children who regularly dine with their families often perform better in school.
• Improved Well-being: Shared meals strengthen family relationships and foster emotional and social health.
• Reduced Risk Behaviors: Teenagers who eat with their families are less likely to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors.

The good news? Family meals don’t have to be elaborate. A simple, wholesome meal paired with fun; engaging conversation can make all the difference.

Resources for Your Family Table

The NDSU Extension offers a variety of tools to help families plan meals and spark meaningful discussions at the table. Resources are available at the Extension Office, located at 502 10th Ave. SE in Jamestown, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional support, visit their website at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/family-table, where you can also sign up for their monthly Family Table newsletter. The registration form is located at the bottom of the webpage.

In today’s busy world, the family table remains a cornerstone of connection, nourishment, and well-being. Take the time to make it a priority — even just one meal at a time.