"Research shows that family meals promote healthier eating -- more fruits, vegetables and fiber; less fried food; and often fewer calories," says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson Angela Ginn. (February 24, 2014, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) 

“Children who eat regular family dinners also consume more fruits, vegetables, vitamins and micronutrients, as well as fewer fried foods and soft drinks. And the nutritional benefits keep paying dividends even after kids grow up. Young adults who ate regular family meals as teens are less likely to be obese and more likely to eat healthily once they live on their own.” (Anne Fishel January 12, 2015, The Washington Post)

Taylor County Primary School approached the Expanded Food and Nutrition Educator on participating in a new family night project, based on teaching families to plan and cook regular meals at home. A series of seven evenings were planned to take place at the school. Families with primary students were invited to participate with their children. Families joined the educator in discussing Healthy Choices for Every Body lessons, including activities that involved the children like meal planning and reading labels. A recipe was prepared with help from the students, and they served samples to their parents. The school arranged for a family meal with local churches, and the dish prepared was coordinated to be part of the meal. 

Two families enrolled in the Nutrition Education Program, and a total of 51 youth and 58 adults attended the classes.

Until the 2017-18 school year, the Nutrition Educator had limited opportunities at Taylor County Schools. With the beginning of regular monthly visits to the kindergarten classes, more opportunities such as family night programs were opened for classes. Plans for 2018-19 are to combine these family nights with the Family Resource Center's parenting nights, with the Resource Center director and the Nutrition Educator each teaching one night a month.