Family meals are the perfect time to talk to your kids and to listen to what’s on their minds. More than a decade’s worth of research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has consistently found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. More information, including a Block Party Starter Kit with great recipes, is available at www.casafamilyday.org.

While we are on the topic of food, did you know that there are families in Marion County who do not have the financial means to purchase groceries for a family meal? Based on SRS research, the food stamp program is under-used in our county. Food banks in our area are a vital service for needy families, but at times the shelves are nearly empty. If you would like to support a local food bank so that every family can celebrate Family Day, contact one of the numbers listed below to volunteer time or to donate non-perishable food items, personal products, and disposable diapers.

Marion County Food Bank (in Marion) -- 620-382-2942 or 620-382-3418
Main Street Ministries (in Hillsboro) – 620-947-3393
Tabor Food Pantry (in Goessel) – 620-367-2318
Burns Community Food Bank (in Burns) – 620-726-5232

Articles by agency staff, individuals and partners are funded by a Drug Free Community grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration to Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc. If you are interested in learning more about prevention and other information pertaining to services, children, youth and families, contact Linda Ogden, Executive Director at 620-947-3184 or LOgden@cismarioncounty.org