Tyler Florence Puts On Milk Mustache To Help Families Make Dinner Matter

NEW YORK, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts agree that sharing time together around the dinner table does double duty for building strong families – forging emotional bonds and helping kids develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100317/CG71819)

Moms agree on the value of dinner. According to an online survey of 1,000 moms by the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign, the majority of moms recognize dinner is an important time to connect as a family (88%), and value it as an opportunity to teach kids about good nutrition (77%). The catch? While 69% of moms say they get their whole family together around the table five or more times a week, less than 36% of them are serving milk with dinner.

That's why celebrity chef and father of three Tyler Florence is teaming up with the Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign to help families make the most of the time they do spend together at dinner. As the newest Milk Mustache celebrity, Florence is inviting moms to share their top tips for how they "milk the moment" for a chance to win an unforgettable family dinner experience with him in San Francisco.

"Families are getting back together for dinner, but we must make the dinners we have together meaningful – both emotionally and nutritionally," said Florence. "One easy way to make sure you're getting the best nutritional bang for you buck at dinner is to pair the meal with lowfat milk, which provides the unique combination of vitamins and minerals your family needs, all at about 25 cents a glass."

Studies show that when kids eat dinner with their families, they're more likely to have nutritious diets, healthier weights and do better in school. Research also shows that they have higher fruit, vegetable and calcium intakes than their peers. But Florence warns that families need to start paying more attention to what's in their glass. In recent years, soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks have been edging out milk at mealtime, but these drinks do not provide the nutrients families need.

"I'm a big believer in having milk at dinnertime," he said. "Milk is naturally nutrient-rich and helps boost the nutritional value of any meal. It's got nine essential nutrients important for the whole family, like calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and protein for lean muscle. I'm always confident I'm doing the best by my kids when I set the table with milk."

Florence said drinking milk at every meal is a vital part of building strong families – but having a simple and delicious meal is also important. To help inspire mealtime, Tyler has shared some delicious family dinner recipes at WhyMilk.com.

Following are some of his additional tips for building strong families:  

• Teach – Cooking nutritious meals together is a great way to connect as a family and teach important lessons about nutrition. Go one step further and take the time to prepare dinner together for more a more meaningful meal.
• Role Model – Did you know that studies show moms who drink milk are more likely to have daughters who drink milk? Setting a healthy example is key – and with milk, it's easy. Parents can lead by example at the dinner table with a tall glass of milk to show their kids how to get the nine essential nutrients they need each day.
• Connect – Dinner time is a great opportunity to get beyond quick conversations and take the time for a meaningful conversation with your loved ones. Want some ideas for how to spark dinner dialogue? Visit WhyMilk.com for conversation starters.
• Nurture – Sugary, empty-calorie beverages don't supply the important nutrients kids need at dinner – or anytime. Milk, however, has a unique combination of 9 essential nutrients – like calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, protein for lean muscles and B vitamins for energy – important for the whole family. Dinner serves as a great time to fill in the nutrient gaps for your family – and it's as easy as pouring a glass of milk for them…and yourself!

Florence's ad reads: "Milk the Moment. At dinnertime, my family and I always raise a glass – of milk. It's naturally nutrient rich like no other beverage. And beyond calcium, milk's got protein and B vitamins to help build strong families. It brings everyone together no matter what life dishes up."

Milk the Moment Contest:   Win Dinner with Tyler Florence

Florence has joined the Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign to help reinforce the importance of family dinners.  Part of the new program includes a chance to instantly win fabulous prizes that inspire family togetherness.  From March 15 to April 12, there will be more than 50 instant winners every day who will receive prizes such as board games, electronics and outdoor activities to help extend family time beyond the dinner table.

Families can also tell us how they "Milk the Moment" at dinner for a chance to win a dinner experience for four with Tyler Florence. Visit whymilk.com to enter and for official rules.

Tyler On Tour: Stopping At A City Near You

Tyler Florence will be visiting various cities to do cooking demonstrations and to remind families to pour a glass of lowfat or fat free milk at dinner to build strong families.  He may even be coming to a city near you. Follow Milk on Twitter www.twitter.com/MilkMustache or fan us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MilkMustache to suggest the cities he'll visit and to find out where he's heading next.

For more information on the importance of serving milk at the dinner table and the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" campaign visit whymilk.com.

Helping Those In Need Build Strong Families

You can help families in need by passing a virtual gallon of milk to friends on Facebook.com/MilkMustache. For every virtual gallon passed, $1 will go to Feeding America, up to $100,000. Feeding America is the country's largest network of food banks that serves more than 37 million people facing hunger in this country.

About Tyler Florence

For the past fifteen years, Chef Tyler Florence (www.tylerflorence.com) has delighted the masses by sharing the sights, sounds and flavors of his unique culinary vision to fans around the world.   After graduating from the prestigious culinary program at Johnson and Wales University, Tyler Florence established himself as a one of New York City's finest young stars. Florence spent more than 12 years on the Food Network in shows like: How to Boil Water, Food 911, and Tyler's Ultimate. Florence has also hosted other shows and specials, including Planet Food, All American Festivals and My Country, My Kitchen. In 2008, he opened The Tyler Florence Shop and released two cookbooks: Stirring the Pot and Dinner at My Place. (In addition to Tyler's Ultimate, Eat This Book, and Real Kitchen, previously published). In 2009, Tyler launched his signature lines of cookware and cutlery and in 2010, he will soon open his restaurant, The Wayfare Tavern, in San Francisco. Tyler lives in California with his wife and three children.

About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign

The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board, through MilkPEP, runs the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk.  For more information, go to www.whymilk.com. Deutsch, A Lowe and Partners Company, is the creative agency for the National Milk Mustache "got milk?®" Campaign.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to 37 million Americans each year, including nearly 14 million children and nearly 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support more than 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org.

Survey results are from an online survey of 1,045 moms of children under age 18, conducted February 12 – February 17, 2010, by KRC Research.

SOURCE The Milk Processor Education Program