My Kids Eat Free

(SACRAMENTO, Sept. 17, 2009) – First Lady Maria Shriver and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) have joined forces for a special WE Are Family Day 2009 celebration on Sept. 23.

As honorary chair of California's Family Day for the past four years, First Lady Maria Shriver has hosted Family Day events in cities throughout California, encouraging families to spend time doing activities that strengthen the family unit through eating, playing, serving and preparing for emergencies together.

"Family Day is a great reminder for all of us to simply eat a meal with our loved ones," said First Lady Maria Shriver. "Every Californian should make time spent at the dinner table count, by teaching our children to choose and eat healthy, nutritious food. I want to thank the California Restaurant Association and their nearly 650 participating restaurants for their partnership in helping to spread our message to families throughout the state."

Family Day is a national movement launched by the National Center on Addiction Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA). The center's research found that children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Nearly 650 CRA member restaurants have signed on to participate in the event, which includes free meals for children being served from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23, with the purchase of an adult entrée.

"We have had tremendous response from our membership about this endeavor," said CRA President + CEO Jot Condie. "California restaurateurs are eager to give back to families across the state who have supported them over the years. We know that good things happen around the dinner table, and believe restaurants can play an integral role in strengthening families."

A wide variety of restaurants have stepped forward to recognize the importance of eating as a family, from quickservice restaurants, such as El Pollo Loco, to fine-dining establishments, such as Fleming's Steakhouse, to independent neighborhood eateries, such as Nevada City's Friar Tuck's.