Leslie Gackle Indiana State Leadership Conference 2015

Background

• The leisurely family meal, a staple for countless generations of Americans, has been taken off the table by the cold realities of 21st Century lifestyles. Parents juggle long work days, daily commutes, their children’s after-school activities, and endless demands of running a household. There just isn’t time.

But. . .

• Families that eat meals together reap long-term benefits that feed the body, mind, and spirit.

• And that’s why Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is launching a national campaign – FCCLA@TheTable – by asking its 200,000+ members to take a pledge to plan and prepare healthy meals for their families.

Take the PLEDGE!!!!

•

We have a big goal: 70,000 meals pledged before the 2015 National Leadership Conference, where states with the greatest percentage of pledged meals will be recognized.

•

Where are we now?

• Dining in Day in Indiana? • @thetabletuesday (officers took pix & posted) • December, 2014 Chili cook-off at DOE

Compelling Research

• Regular family meals promote healthy eating habits and create a bond between parents and their children.

• Eating dinner together improves academic performance in school: • 52% of children are mostly “A/B” students when their families eat dinner together up to twice a week.

What can you do?

• FCCLA@TheTable challenges members to take a pledge to plan and prepare a meal for their families. It can be a one-time commitment or more.

• The culinary stakes needn’t be high. You can prepare a simple dinner, like soup and sandwiches. Those comfortable in the kitchen can plan more elaborate meals.

Theme nights

• Breakfast for dinner, international night, one-pot dinners, or a winter picnic in the living room. The choices are endless.

• Meatless Monday • Taco Tuesday • Wayback Wednesday (eat on lunch trays or tv dinner)

What’s Next?

• Click here and pledge to prepare a meal for your family • Prepare your meal • Take a picture and post it on Instagram and tag #FCCLAatTheTable!

• It's that simple.

Resources

• FCCLA@TheTable Flyer • FCCLA@TheTable brochure • Family Meal Student Evaluation • Family Meal Family Member Feedback form • Family Meal Plan Guidelines • Family Meal Planning Process • Family Meal Rubric • Family Meal Lesson Plan • Family Meal Project Document

Dinner Conversation?

• Conversation is the secret sauce of an enjoyable family dinner. Here are some questions to kick start the evening, tighten your bonds and create some memorable moments.

• How was your day?

• Basic Nutrient Identification triva • How much would this cost if we ate out?

• What is your most favorite? Least favorite?

• How could we use this in another meal (leftovers/soup/tacos/bbq)?

• Can this be composted?

• Could we grow all/any of this in our garden?

• Where did the food come from? Miles traveled?

Healthy Eating & Budget

• You can eat healthy

and

stay within your food budget. Get started with these timely and time-saving tips. Create a grocery game plan, discover new recipes your family will enjoy, and learn about budget-conscious two-week menus right here . (USDA MyPlate.gov) • Give $ amount, have children plan/shop/prepare • Cost per serving/ounce • Find the BEST deal

What to do with those sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts . . . Why did I buy these?

• What’s lurking in that pantry/fridge?

• Looking for inspiration? Check out the “ Recipe Finder ” from the United States Department of Agriculture, a database of recipes submitted by nutrition and health professionals and organizations. You also can build your own cookbook by adding recipes selected from the Recipe Finder.

• http://www.supercook.com/

Questionable Behavior & Family Dinner

• For nearly two decades, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has surveyed thousands of American teens and their parents. The surveys have “consistently found that the more often children have dinners with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs, and that parental engagement fostered around the dinner table is one of the most potent tools to help parents raise healthy, drug-free children.”

CDC Resources

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has compiled extensive resources for embracing healthier eating habits because “ nutrition is for everyone.

” • Push for REQUIRED Nutrition and Wellness classes at high school level

Recipe Resources - FUN

• The 2013 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge Cookbook, adapted by Epicurious, features 54 winning recipes from America’s junior chefs for the 2 nd Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kids’ “State Dinner.” The bill-of fare includes everything from Sweet and Spicy Stir-Fry to Sneaky Chili Surprise.

• Check out family dinners on Pinterest and you’ll immediately want to head to the kitchen. Be sure to check out the thrifty grocery shopping tips, lots of fast ‘n’ easy recipes, and how to create the ultimate pizza night.

• Family recipe cookbook with notations (Grandma Ruby)

Team Nutrition

• Join Team Nutrition to promote nutrition and physical activity at elementary and middle schools with its popular and free events idea booklet . Get started with handouts, templates and lots of other terrific resources. Then find out how to create large and small themed events, from “My Plate Day: Fun With Five Food Groups” to “My Plate Grocery Store Treasure Hunt.” Game on!

USDA Team Nutrition

• What do you think of your current cafeteria set up?

• Atmosphere/choices(food vs snacks)/costs/limitations/special diets/value/real nutrition • What would make you want to eat more/at all in the cafeteria?

• 11 FCCLA chapter advisers are working with food service manager at their school to create SMARTER LUNCHROOMS • Product placement, Food item names • Received funds for FCCLA in Action chapter project, 2 SLC registrations paid.

Family Meals and Attitudes

• Family Meals May Defuse Cyberbullying's Impact . Having regular family meals may help protect teens from the harmful mental health effects of "cyberbullying," a new study suggests.

• 1 in 5 teens is cyberbullied – social media – parents may not realize it is happening. Ask questions/comments/tune in to feelings/attitudes/changes in behavior • Doesn’t have to be evening meal – even common breakfast time is great time for reconnecting and sharing

Thank you !!!

• Comments • Questions • Thanks for coming and let’s get those pledges so Indiana can show it’s dedication to strengthening family bonds and sharing meals – FCCLA @ the Table