Stronger Connections Around the Table AND Supports

Meals On Wheels Association of America

The majority of Americans believe sharing meals together is the single most important activity in helping them connect with their family, and adults who eat dinner with friends and family more frequently are more likely to be satisfied with every aspect of their lives, according to a new research study, Share the Table: The State of Dinnertime in America, conducted by StrategyOne and released by Barilla.

The study, the first to explore the effects of family dinnertime on both adults and children, found that despite the positive effect on their well-being, nearly six in 10 families agree that they dont have as many opportunities to connect with their family or friends as theyd like. Primary obstacles include hectic work schedules, childrens schedules and a general lack of time. Also, 69% of those surveyed said that some other activity competes with the typical family dinner – with watching TV topping the list – and 58% pointed to some type of technology or entertainment-related distraction.

Through Share the Table: The Barilla Family Dinner Project, Barilla aims to inspire and help families have more meaningful dinners together. At www.ShareTheTable.com, people can find more than 700 recipes and 100 expert tips to improve the dinnertime experience in five key areas, from decreasing distractions at the table, to increasing participation by family members, to varying the types of food at mealtime. The tips are provided by a panel of family experts, chefs, and celebrities including renowned chef Mario Batali, mom and legendary country singer Martina McBride, celebrity party planner David Tutera and pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg.

Helping People Who Cannot Share the Table

Now that the weather has turned and Christmas lights are all around the neighborhood, many families are preparing to celebrate their holidays together. At this time, we are also reminded of all those without loved ones to rejoice with during this time of year. While we know people are more likely to give back during the holiday season, this act of kindness is needed all year long.

For each person who promises to “Share the Table,” Barilla will donate $1 to Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), up to $150,000, to support nutrition programs serving more than one million meals per day to homebound individuals.

For more information, please visit www.ShareTheTable.com

About Dr. William J. Doherty

William J. Doherty, Ph.D., is Professor of Family Social Science and Director of the Citizen Professional Center at the University of Minnesota. A past-president of the National Council on Family Relations, Bill is a leading American scholar and educator on the challenges of contemporary family life. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of the importance of family spending time together sharing meals and other activities in a hurry-up world. Among his twelve books are two for the lay public: The Intentional Family and Take Back Your Kids. Bill is also a media favorite, having appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show, the CBS Early Show, 20/20, all of the nightly network news programs, and a host of other media outlets in radio, newspapers, and magazines.

About Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)

MOWAA is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. MOWAA works toward the social, physical, nutritional, and economic betterment of vulnerable Americans. MOWAA provides the tools and information its programs need to make a difference in the lives of others.

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