Mayor encourages all families to observe Eat Dinner with Your Family Day

(9/19/2006) On Monday, September 25, 2006, millions of families in more than 500 US cities will celebrate Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children, including the City of New Haven, Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. has announced.

Created in 2001 by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), Family Day emphasizes the importance of family and unity, and encourages us to take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy being with loved ones.

“The City of New Haven is joining in and we need your help,” Mayor DeStefano said. “Get the word out that it’s important you and your family take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal together. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors that strong family involvement in the lives of our children can reduce their risk of substance abuse and other negative activities.”

Why is it a big deal for families to have dinner together? Research conducted by CASA at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often children eat dinner with their family members, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. The research also shows that these children are more likely to have positive peer relationships, healthier eating habits and are more likely to do well in school.

To help promote Family Day, the Community Services Administration of the City of New Haven is coordinating promotion of the event, including with the Connecticut Food Bank, which is publicizing the day through its food programs, and City Seed’s Farmer’s Markets, which is distributing free family recipe packets at its Farmer’s Market locations. For more information about Family Day and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, (CASA), visit the City of New Haven website at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com, click on “What’s New”, and look for more information including a link to the CASA website at www.casacolumbia.org. Thank you for joining me in this worthwhile community effort.

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