It's been said that families who eat together, stay together.
And families in Prince George are invited to enter the eighth annual B.C. Better Together Hands-on Cook-off contest.
This year, the contest is celebrating family by sharing the importance of cooking and eating together.
The goal is to see what it means for people around the province because family means something different to everyone according to Lilian Sue, spokesperson for Population Health.
"Cooking together is a grounding and a deeply bonding tradition for individuals, families and communities," Sue said.
This year's contest features Population Health dietitians Lise Luppens and Emilia Moulechkova.
Moulechkova's focus is school age children throughout northern B.C.
"This contest is a celebration. It's a fun reminder for all of us to remember to cook, eat and be together," Moulechkova said.
"And cooking and eating together reaps many benefits. Kids do better in school, they have a healthier diet and parents can model healthy habits and behaviors. Even eating one meal a day together can reap these benefits."
The underlying message, according to Better Together, is to raise awareness of the significant benefits of cooking and eating together.
"Here in B.C, family means something different to all of us. Whether we're married, single or new to Canada, braking bread together is a grounding and deeply bonding force for individuals, families and for communities," said Sydney Massey, one of the creators of Better Together.
Until May 18, any B.C. residents can enter the Hands-On Cook-off Contest. Videos must include two or more people preparing a recipe together. Videos must be no longer than three minutes in length and can be entered online.
The annual contest supports of hundreds of chefs, schools and community organizations.
"Cooking with my children has been one of the most important things I've done as a parent," said contest judge, Chef Heidi Fink. "They learn important life skills and healthy eating habits; we spend quality time together as a family. Cooking is a joyful and empowering experience for all of us."
To enter the Hands-on Cook-off visit www.bettertogetherbc.ca/contest.
The deadline for entries is today.
