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All Connecticut Children Grow Up in Stable Living Environments and 1 more... less...

Secondary Indicators

Family Meal Occurrence

Current Value

65.50%

2017

Definition

Line Bar Comparison

Story Behind the Curve

The Connecticut School Health Survey (CSHS) Is conducted biennially and subsequently published by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). The Youth Behavior Component (YBC) survey, which gathers information from students grades 9-12 in randomly chosen classroms, is the source. The question asked of these students since the first survey results were published in 2005 is as follows: “During the past seven days, on how many days did you eat at least one meal with your family?” Results in 2005 were reported as a percent of students who ate at least one meal with their families on five or more of the past seven days. In 2007 and for all subsequent years, reporting was changed to percent of students who ate at least one meal with their families on three of the last seven days.

Since the first conducted survey, the trend line has stayed relatively stable, although there was a slight statistical increase from 2007 to 2015 (62.9% to 68.2%). In 2015, White non-Hispanic students were more likely to report meals with their family (76.1%) compared to Black non-Hispanic students (44.2%) or Hispanic students (58.9%). The Commission on Children (COC) attributes the lack of notable growth to various family lifestyles and socioeconomic factors. For parents facing economic hardships, the likelihood of work schedules that conflict with common meal times increases. Also, during high school students become increasingly engaged in after school commitments and part-time jobs, which interfere with a common mealtime. In addition to multiple jobs and other commitments, blended families (families that include children from one or both spouse’s previous relationships) and single-family households may have relational stressors that impact the family’s ability to gather together for meals.

The YBC survey results have indicated that the frequency of family meals is correlated with a lower prevalence of student drug use, depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual activity. The COC identifies family meals as an indicator of “connectedness” between children and their parents. Regular family meals have also been positively attributed with healthier eating habits, increased academic performance, and positive relations between siblings and parents. Preventing students from engaging in risky behaviors and encouraging healthy attitudes provides children in Connecticut with a level of stability that ensures continued positive outcomes after graduation and well into adulthood.

There is a greater likelihood for a student to regularly eat at least one meal a day with their family when it is affordable for them to prepare and eat meals at home together. Connecticut is currently providing federal free and reduced lunch programs and SNAP programs that reduce the daily cost of meals for families with financial constraints. The General Assembly has taken action to further ensure families can afford the opportunity to eat a meal together by assisting families with significant economic needs through the 2011 establishment of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIT). The COC also highlighted a program being undertaken in some schools called “Friday Backpacks”, which sends backpacks containing basic food supplies home with children to supplement family meals over the weekend.

Partners

  • Department of Public Health
  • Commission on Children
  • End Hunger CT!
  • CT Food Bank
  • CT Parent Power

Strategy

  • Ensure schools provide more “Friday Backpacks”, basic food supplies meant to supplement family meals over the weekend. (COC)
  • Encourage families to set a goal to have regular family meals at least three times per week. (Cornell University)
  • Promote flexible work hours and shifts that accommodate working parents' schedules.(Cornell University)
  • Promote regular, consistent work schedules. (Cornell University)
  • Ensure that overtime is optional.(Cornell University)
  • Encourage families to share household food roles, such as shopping and cooking. (Cornell University)
  • Provide education on how to plan and cook quick, healthy meals.
  • Encourage families to:
    • Engage children in meal preparation as part of family time (Cornell University)
    • Plan/cook meals ahead. (Cornell University)
    • Pack lunches from home. (Cornell University)

Strategy provided by the Commission on Children (COC), Cornell University College of Human Ecology Division of Nutritional Sciences (Cornell University)

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