Family Conversation Starters

Check out the full Episode 54 show notes on our website! In this episode of Healthy Family Project, we talk to Richard McCarthy, Meatless Monday Culinary Ambassador, about the importance of family dinner and how families can kick start important conversations at the dinner table. Richard McCarthy is a community development specialist, whose quest for behavior change always puts carrots ahead of sticks. In 2005, he developed one of the nation's first farmers market incentive programs to promote local vegetable consumption among SNAP consumers in New Orleans. Based in Brooklyn, NY, he spends hours in the kitchen with his wife and daughter exploring the traditional knowledge of global cuisines that take ordinary and affordable ingredients to prepare culinary surprises that put vegetables first. An author, broadcaster, and organizer, he values food as the bridge between people. Writings: Slow Down with Banana com Queijo Radio: Farmers Market Minute on WWNO-FM Video: From Disaster to Dessert on rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina; Debate with Sam Kass at the James Beard Foundation Healthy Bite Featuring Cranberry Marketing Committee Today, we're snacking on No-Bake Cranberry Pistachio Bites! Packed with oats, dried cranberries, pistachios, peanut butter and flaxseed, with a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup, these granola bites will help fill kids up and keep hunger at bay until dinner. No baking required and easy enough that kids can prep themselves. We partnered with US Cranberries to share more delicious ways to use cranberries this summer. Listener Survey! Thank you so much for supporting the Healthy Family Project Podcast from Produce for Kids! We'd love if you could take 5 minutes to let us know how we can bring you the best possible content future episodes. By completing the survey, you'll also be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Take the survey here. Healthy Recipes & Tips in Your Inbox Sign up for the Produce for Kids e-newsletter to receive healthy recipe inspiration, our latest blog posts and more directly to your inbox each week. Healthy Family Project Facebook Group Join our new Healthy Family Project Facebook group! This group will serve as a safe space for parents and caregivers to talk all about raising a healthy family - from dealing with a picky eater and tips to get more fruits and veggies onto plates to exercising as a family and mental health. We welcome all of you to join in! Relevant Links Check out our newly designed website! Shop our #WhatsYourCause shirts & give back to Feeding America Follow MeatlessMonday on Instagram & Facebook Get recipe ideas from Meatless Monday Jump Start Dinner with These Conversation Starters Kids Cook Monday DeStress Monday Other Podcast Episodes to Check Out: Episode 52: Fresh Produce 101: How to Pick, Clean & Store Episode 48: Conquering Mealtime Struggles Episode 35: Helpings Kids Make Good Choices Timestamps 3:59 Welcome, Richard! 5:54 Why are family meals important? 12:13 Starting Family Conversations: Rose & Thorns 14:11 How to get family conversations flowing 19:53 How to engage with your tweens and teens 23:14 Healthy Bite Featuring US Cranberries 25:22 Why is it important for kids to have a say in dinner? 31:01 The benefits of exploring different cultures through food 35:56 What does a healthy family mean to you?