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WVU Extension Service encourages families to “dine in” together on National Family and Consumer Sciences Day

Family sits at table eating food

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What’s the news?
West Virginia University Extension Service is challenging West Virginians to put down their phones and eat a healthy, home-cooked meal on December 3. “Dine In,” or National Family and Consumer Sciences Day, began in 2014 and this year will focus on the emotional and social benefits of family mealtime.   

Quotes and comments
“We don’t always recognize the importance of something as simple as sitting down and connecting over food. It’s the human connection that is so vital to families, and we see that missing in our society. Research shows there are health benefits, psychological benefits and even financial benefits because it is less expensive to prepare food at home. Mealtime can be dinner, could be a snack together, breakfast, coffee; it doesn’t always have to be dinner. The important thing is to enjoy time with someone else.” Elaine Bowen, WVU Extension Service health promotion specialist

Resources
Audio file (0:36):Elaine Bowen on the history of Dine In Day  
Audio file (0:29): Elaine Bowen on the importance of Dine In Day
Audio file (0:43):Elaine Bowen on the benefits of family mealtime
WVU Extension Service: Family Mealtime
Link to the original story 

Target audiences
Busy families
Families with heavily-involved teenagers
Family and consumer sciences professionals
Health and nutrition professionals

-WVU-

hf/mft/11/29/18

CONTACT: Hannah Booth, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8701; hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu

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