Supporters
The Back To The Table campaign has attracted the support of a number of household names and professionals involved in parenting over the years. Here are just a few of them;
Emma Thompson
'Any problem, big or small, within a family, always seems to start with bad communication. Someone isn't listening. Meal-times are brilliant for talking and listening, because you can let a mouthful go down while you talk, and chew while you're listening. It's the perfect arrangement.'
Gordon Ramsay
'I strongly believe that the enjoyment of good food starts with the family meal. If Back To The Table encourages families to eat together more often, this will also encourage better communication and support within the family unit. Every good wish for your very worthy initiative.'
Tanya Byron
'I agree with mealtimes, no telly, sitting down with the kids. Even if you’re not eating with the kids, sit with them and chat about their day and your day. It’s a nice bit of downtime. It also gets kids much more interested in food and the process of eating...It’s very important from a developmental and eating perspective.'
Antonio Carluccio
'Not every day, but once a week, you should gather all the family together and share a special moment round the table.'
Annabel Karmel
'I've got three teenagers and it's difficult enough to communicate with teenagers when we're all running around living busy lives. The one time when you're all together is around the dinner table. If you're not eating at the table then you're not communicating - it's not just a food issue, it's about knowing what's going on in each others' lives.'
Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall
'It's about learning to communicate and, dare I say it, good table manners. When my grandchildren are with me they don't take their plates in front of the telly, so we're doing our bit for Back To The Table and very much support it.'
Sue Palmer - author of Toxic Childhood
'The loss of the family meal is a real case of 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone'. When families don't eat together, it's more difficult to influence children's diet and behaviour, and they also lose a key opportunity to chat about the day's events. Eating together has always been an important social event for human beings, and my research for Toxic Childhood suggests it's critical for ensuring children's healthy development.'
Johnnie Boden
'What a great idea! Eating together as a family gives me more pleasure than almost anything!'
