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October is not just about pumpkins and Halloween – it's also Eat Better, Eat Together Month! This month-long celebration encourages families and friends to come together and share a meal while promoting healthy eating habits. Started in 2004 by the nonprofit organization Healthier Kids Foundation, this holiday highlights the importance of eating nutritious meals as a group. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy some delicious and wholesome food together – after all, good food tastes even better when shared with good company!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Healthier Kids Foundation Debut</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Healthier Kids Foundation launches with their main mission to provide education and resources to promote children's health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Eat Better, Eat Together</div><div class='timeline-text'>Healthier Kids Foundation announces October as Eat Better, Eat Together Month to encourage healthier eating habits in shared meals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Annual Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Families and communities across the United States participate in the first annual Eat Better, Eat Together Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The observance gains national recognition, prompting schools and community organizations to implement healthy eating programs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday reaches global audiences, instigating discussions about the importance of eating together and healthy food habits worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Public Health Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Eat Better, Eat Together Month encourages at-home shared meals to maintain health and a sense of community.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan healthy family meals together</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get the whole family involved in planning and preparing healthy meals. This will not only promote healthier eating habits, but also create a fun and bonding experience for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a potluck with friends</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a potluck where everyone brings a healthy dish to share. This is a great way to try new recipes and get inspiration for healthier meals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try out healthy cooking classes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sign up for a cooking class focused on healthy eating. Not only will you learn new skills and techniques, but you'll also have the opportunity to meet new people who are also interested in eating better.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a healthy food club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends or coworkers and start a healthy food club. Each week, rotate who brings a healthy dish to share and discuss tips and tricks for eating better together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Challenge yourself to try new healthy foods</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make a game out of trying new, healthy foods. Create a list of fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods that you've never tried before and challenge yourself to try at least one new item each week during Eat Better, Eat Together Month.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes healthier eating habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Eating together as a family or group can encourage better food choices and portion control. It's easier to make healthy choices when you can share and discuss meal options with others, rather than just ordering takeout or eating alone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It strengthens relationships</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Eating together allows for quality time with loved ones and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and bonding. It also helps establish a routine and provides structure to our day, which is important for mental health and overall well-being.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports local businesses</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By going out to eat or cooking meals at home with locally-sourced ingredients, we support our community and promote sustainability. Eating together can also involve trying out new restaurants or recipes, expanding our culinary horizons while supporting small businesses.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Frequent Family Meals Can Improve Academic Performance</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that children who regularly share meals with their families tend to have better vocabulary and reading skills, and perform better academically in general.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eating Together Helps Reduce Risk of Substance Abuse</h3><p class='facts-content'>Teens who dine frequently with their families are less likely to engage in risky behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse, as demonstrated by a substantial body of research.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits Early On Has Long-Term Benefits</h3><p class='facts-content'>Infants and toddlers who share family meals are more likely to have healthier eating habits into adolescence and adulthood, including an increased fruit and vegetable intake.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Family Meals Can Foster Cultural and Generational Connectivity</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sharing meals allows families to pass on cultural traditions and recipes, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. It also helps to bridge the generation gap through storytelling and shared experiences.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Community Meals Can Reduce Loneliness and Isolation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Shared meals in the community, like potlucks or dinner clubs, can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially among the elderly or those living alone.</p></div></div>
Eat Better, Eat Together Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024 Eat Better, Eat Together Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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