Church makes meal of family challenge
AFAMILY challenge has been launched that aims to ensure those taking part will have plenty on their plate.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, on Victoria Road, Macclesfield, have created the Three Mealtime Challenge.
It encourages participants to share three meals a week, where phones are put away, TVs switched off and instead diners talk and enjoy each other’s company.
The challenge will take place in the month of September but the church is inviting people to sign up now so they can be given a presentation and advice on it.
Bishop Paul Brooks said: “Family mealtime is something that I’ve really come to value now that my wife and I have five lively children.
“Our mealtimes are usually pretty hectic but they give us a chance each day to all be together and the children love having that dedicated time with us.
“Like everyone else, there is plenty we can do to improve our own family mealtimes, and we will be joining in the challenge in September.
“By ‘mealtime’ we mean the traditional kind where the family can come together and talk, laugh, share their experiences of the day, plan, and resolve issues away from distractions.”
The church hopes that schools, community groups, other churches and parents will be involved in the challenge.
Its members say having a genuine family meal can also help with healthier eating patterns, overall wellbeing and mental health for young people.
After conquering three mealtimes a week in September the idea is to then up the number going forward and even open it up to additional guests such as neighbours.
Bishop Brooks said: “For many families the evening mealtime is the only daily opportunity to be together and talk.
“Those moments are critical for building family relationships and supporting children.
“Although we still have months to prepare, we are inviting everyone to start thinking now about their family mealtimes and then plan to get involved in September.
“We have
some resources on the website to help with that planning and encourage everyone to follow along on social media for more tips as we get closer to the challenge itself.”
To find out more visit 3mealtimechallenge.com.