Sponsored by the Scott County Safe Communities Coalition, Family Day -- a day to eat dinner with your children -- is Sept. 24.

Jordan Police Chief Bob Malz said there are proven benefits to eating dinner as a family, including that children and teens who have frequent dinners with their families:

- are at half the risk for substance abuse as teens who infrequently dine with their families;

- are less likely to have friends or classmates who use drugs or alcohol;

- have a lower stress level at home;

- are much more likely to say that their parents are proud of them;

- are likelier to say that they can confide in their parents;

- are likelier to get better grades in school;

- are likelier to have positive peer relationships and be emotionally content;

- have healthier eating habits;

- are at a lower risk of suicidal thoughts;

- and are less likely to try marijuana or to have friends who use marijuana.

Tonight, the Jordan City Council proclaimed Sept. 24 Family Day.