School, work and extracurricular activities have made family sit-down meals almost a thing of the past. And although the dinner table has faded away for some families, its importance has not. 

Jill Williams is the Nutrition Educator for the St. Louis Dairy Council. She says it gets especially hard this time of year when families are transitioning from summer to back-to-school.

The short-term benefits to family meals are lower rates of obesity in children, encourages kids to try new and healthy foods, and kids don’t typically eat junk food for a home cooked meal.

Williams says just as important as family meal time is dairy in your diet.

Williams is also a registered dietitian. You can email her at info@stldairycouncil.org to find out more about the St. Louis Dairy Council or visit their website, stldairycouncil.org.