By: Karina Beltran Romero, Senior Manager, Member Relations, FMI, and Haley Pierce, Manager, FMI Foundation
In a world full of meetings, deadlines and constant activity, it's easy to jump from one task to another without truly connecting. But every now and then, we're reminded of the simple, powerful ways we can come together, and one of those ways is through food.
Recently, FMI's staff program, Join Us Making Progress (J.U.M.P.), celebrated its second recipe exchange event as part of our support for the Family Meals Movement — a nationwide effort that emphasizes the importance of sharing one more family meal together per week. For us, it wasn't just about swapping ingredients or cooking tips — it was about taking a break from our busy day to share something meaningful.
During this event, we stepped away from our desks and connected over lunch. Each person brought a favorite dish, some linked to family traditions, others simply personal favorites, and we gathered with open plates and open hearts.
Celebrating the Family Meals Movement this way lets us live its message — that meals, no matter how simple, create opportunities for deeper connection and stronger relationships, whether with family at home (including some furry friends!), chosen family members or our work family in the office. Indeed, the many physical, mental health and social benefits of family meals are well-documented, most recently with 53% of Americans agreeing that family meals make them feel more connected, according to the 2025 Family Meals Barometer report.
I invite you to take a break and share a meal with your coworkers, family or friends. Let that time be a moment to connect, listen and enjoy something meaningful together.
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