In a fast-paced world, the once commonplace gathering of family members at the dinner table to enjoy a home-cooked meal is an often forgotten activity.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service and Mississippi Association of Family and Consumer Sciences are sponsoring Dining In, a Dec. 3 observation to encourage families to return to the dinner table tradition in an effort to promote planning healthy meals and quality time with loved ones.

That date also marks the second annual celebration of Family and Consumer Sciences Day.

Extension nutritionist Brent Fountain said the event is an opportunity for family and consumer science secondary educators to collaborate with Extension agents and community partners in Mississippi to reach children and families across the state.

“This is an ideal opportunity to foster relationships between Extension agents and teachers in Mississippi,” Fountain said. “Both groups are grounded in outreach and most effective when they are engaging with their communities, so a combined effort will increase the visibility of this event and what it is designed to accomplish.”

Julie Sims, association president and project director of Extension’s Early Years Network, said the main goals of Dining In are to bring families together, educate them on nutrition and show them how proper meal planning is useful in overall health.

“This is an opportunity to focus on getting families, co-workers and other groups to come together,” Sims said. “We want Mississippi families to join with people from around the U.S. to make and eat a healthy meal on Dec. 3 and on a regular basis.”

Dec. 3 was chosen as Family and Consumer Sciences Day to honor Ellen Swallow Richards, founder of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

For more information, visit http://msafcs.org.