Grassley said the resolution recognizes the documented benefits of families eating dinner and spending time together as a way to keep children from using illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol. He introduced the non-binding, bipartisan resolution with Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.
"This resolution recognizes how important strong families are to helping kids make healthy choices," Grassley said. "Families can make a tremendous difference in the effort against drug use and abuse. Parents need to get involved in their children's lives, and sitting down together at the kitchen table is a good place to foster communication."
A recent survey from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that children who never eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. In contrast, children in families who eat dinners together seven nights a week are 20 percent less likely than the average teen to engage in these activities. "Kids do listen and take their cues from their parents and grandparents, too," Grassley said.
Several years ago, Grassley launched an extensive first-of-its-kind statewide initiative to address Iowa's drug problem. Called Face It Together, or FIT, Grassley spearheaded the grassroots-based anti-drug strategy to help Iowa families work together to keep their communities, schools and workplaces drug-free.
In the U.S. Senate, Grassley and Biden co-chair the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, where they take aim at money laundering, crime rings and drug trafficking that victimize America's youth.
Their resolution designating September 24, 2001, as "Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children" is endorsed by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the National Restaurant Association, and several other organizations. A similar proposal was approved by Congress last year.