Did you know that September 24, 2012 was Family Day?  Sponsored by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), Family Day is a national campaign to educate parents how communication fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free.

Research conducted by the Center indicated that families who dine together more frequently can have a positive impact on their kids’ development and academic performance. Research also shows that teens that don’t have dinner with their families often are:

• 4X more likely to use tobacco
• And 3X more likely to use alcohol

 Whether stopping to pick up dinner for the evening or doing their weekly grocery shopping, Americans visit grocery stores more than once a week. Stores continue to be the center of many communities. So how can grocery stores encourage families to eat together more frequently?

• Show that preparing a family meal isn’t a one person job! Host kid friendly cooking demos in your locations; share easy to do recipes and tips for cooking together. Research shows that kids who cook with their parents learn about nutrition because they are introduced to a variety of foods. In addition, they develop better math and reading skills.
• Help shoppers make decisions easier and quicker. Offer special deals on select family package products and ready to go foods.
•  Partner with local nutritionists to be available on the floor to answer questions or provide counseling on making the best nutritional choices for families.
• Share ideas for great family dinners on your website and social media. Consumers are always looking for suggestions. Consider sharing family meal suggestions on your website and through social media.
• Engage your shoppers on your social media outlets.  Invite them to share their family meal photos and stories on your Facebook page, YouTube or Google+.

What are you doing to encourage families to dine together? Share your ideas.