The Family that Eats Together...

Let's face it - with the busy schedules of parents and kids alike, making time for regular family meals takes exceptional determination.

But the payoffs are enormous.

In fact, experts advise that making time to join together for family meals has a multitude of benefits, not the least of which is a lower incidence of teen substance abuse. As a family owned and operated business, Linsey Foods values family time, particularly around meals. Our company sponsors programs that promote the benefits of frequent family meals. Beginning this summer, we will launch a series of campaigns through our products and at this web page to encourage Family Mealtime.

Last fall and winter’s Family Mealtime contest in Canada was a lot of fun.  Thanks to the thousands of ET TU lovers who told us about their favourite mealtime experience.  We were thrilled to hear about your memory-filled meals.  Here are a few of our favourites:

• At our cabin on the lake with our grandchildren eating on the deck.
  
  
• It was a romantic night and I was making a good supper with my favourite ET TU Salad Kit. My boyfriend came over and was so excited that he kneeled down on one knee and proposed to me… over Caesar salad!
  
  
• Talking with my kids while they make up an ET TU salad.
  
  
• Growing up my mother used to always serve Caesar salads using ET TU Salad Kits. Now as an adult I serve them when she comes to visit, and it always brings a smile to her face.
  
  
• My taste-bud challenged teenager eats only meat, potatoes and two vegetables: carrots and broccoli. Then I served an ET TU salad and now he is a happy, and at times, adventurous salad eater.

• Make a schedule designating specific meal times that every member honors regularly.
  
  
• Turn the television, radio and phone off during mealtime. Make it a habit that meals are uninterrupted.
  
  
• Set and clear the table together for more interaction time. Assign each member a particular part of the preparation and clean-up to further engage in the meal ritual.
  
  
• Encourage conversation among all members, making sure everyone has a chance to share and be listened to.
  
  
• Make sharing food a cornerstone of your family life. Share in the art of food preparation, fostering interest in the gratification and nutritional offerings of good food. Encourage all family members to create a favorite recipe and tell the story of the heritage of the dish. Regional and family history can be explored through the folklore of food origins. Remember and enliven family roots with such stories.
  
  
• Grocery shop together, frequent farmer’s markets, and consider a family garden as ways to make meals a more active part of your lives. Even a potted herb garden that can be grown inside year round offers a personal connection to the cuisine.
  
  
• Start the practice of family mealtime when your kids are young, so that as they become teens it is an important part of their routine. Making your family mealtime a regular celebration will foster memories that last a lifetime.