What is the campaign?

Research has repeatedly shown that families who regularly share meals bond and connect more effectively, have fewer problems, and stay together. With the proclamation of Family Day by City of Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie in 2011, Touchstone Family Association launched the Eating Together Campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of families eating together, and to raise funds for Touchstone’s barrier-free Front Porch Program – a program that provides counselling to families in need and have no place to turn.

Eating Together, a week-long campaign, aims to encourage families to eat together through a series of activities such as community meals, cooking classes, restaurant participation, and the distribution of awareness information.

100% of funds raised are used in the Front Porch Project to sustain barrier free counselling hours at TFA. Counselling are available to families without the red tape, time and disclosure that is required by Ministry referrals. When a family is in crisis, TFA believes they should be able to access the help they need in a timely, affordable and comfortable manner.

Our goal

• To heighten family’s awareness of the importance of eating together to foster open, positive family interaction.
• To build awareness of the variety of ways families can enjoy eating in Richmond.
• To help people shop for food wisely.
• To provide education in nutrition, cooking skills and diet.
• To encourage families to feed the body in order to feed the mind.
• To raise funds to provide counselling for families needing support through difficult times.
• To make all Richmond families aware of the assistance available to them through TFA services.
• To reduce incidences of employee absenteeism and increase safety in the workplace by improving relationships at home.
• To provide recognition to participating donors, restaurants, grocery stores who will receive major recognition from our media partners during Family Awareness Week.

For more information on Touchstone Family Association and other programs and services, please visit www.touchfam.ca.