On Monday, September 20, 2021, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, the Caring Community Coalition, in conjunction with Family Mealtime Month, will host their Annual Family Dinner in the Park. This year it will be a drive-thru at Southfield Park with a grab-and-go meal at the end to have for dinner that night. Community sponsors will each offer an educational message and an ingredient for a family meal to take home, prepare, and eat together as an opportunity to talk about all of the good things that happen when families eat together.
The Wasatch Latino Coalition is one of the Make-at-Home Meal sponsors and we are looking for volunteers to help at our booth. Please sign up here if you can join us.
There are good things that happen to children, teenagers, and families when they consistently eat family meals together every week. Many studies have shown proof that the positive lifelong benefits of family meals not only nourish the spirit, brain, and health of all family members, but they have a significant impact on a child’s grades, mental health, eating healthier and preventing teenage alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
The more meals a family has together each week has a positive effect on family relationships. For example, with 3 meals a week, the family connection is increased by 25%, with 7 meals a week it’s up to 50%. The goal is to eat 3 – 5 meals together every week, but adding just one mealtime to the routine is a great place to start. It does not only have to be dinner, it can be whichever meal works best for a family’s schedule.
Parents are the #1 reason kids don’t drink or use drugs and family mealtime has a ripple effect on all other teen behaviors. Teens are 4 times less likely to smoke, 3 times less likely to use marijuana, and 2 times less likely to drink alcohol underage if they feel connected to their family.
Families are encouraged to keep mealtime screen-free. Turn the tv off, make it a positive time to talk, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company. Save talking about chores, homework, and grades for later.
Everyone in Wasatch County is invited to come to Family Dinner in the Park. Spanish-speaking people will be available to educate and answer questions. It’s a great opportunity to get a free meal to prepare at home and to also learn about community resources from our sponsors.
Make-At-Home Meal Sponsors:
- Wasatch County Health Department
- Wasatch Behavioral Health
- Heber Valley Rotary
- Heber Valley Hospital
- Grand Valley Bank
- Wasatch Community Foundation
- Heber City Police Department and Heber City Corporation
- Wasatch Latino Coalition
- Midway City Council
- Wasatch County School District
- Christian Center of Park City
- Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office
- USU Extension
- Peace House
- Timber Ridge Dental
Please share this information with your networks. Below are flyers to print in Spanish and English. If you need an image to share electronically, please contact us at secretary@wasatchlatinocoalition.org.