Episode 54 Family Conversation Starters

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. 

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Healthy Family Project Facebook Group

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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?