Media portrayals would suggest that families do not eat together and the demise of the American family is directly attributable to a decline in the frequency of family mealtimes. Indeed, the fact that families do eat together is cause for comment in such outlets as the Wal l Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today. On average, more than 50% of families surveyed nationally report eating together from 3 to 5 times per week, (Brad- ley, Corwyn, McAdoo, & Coll, 2001; CASA, 2007; Child Trends, 2003). In one survey, 56% of families with school age children (ages 6 to 11.
