A study by the Iowa State University Extension office offers some suggestions on how families can get everyone to the table:

* Make family mealtime a priority: Choose a time and put it on the calendar.

* Be creative and flexible about when and where you eat. Family mealtime could be at breakfast time, it could be a picnic in the park, or it could be at a restaurant on the way to an appointment.

* Make mealtime pleasant: Take turns talking and listening.

* Eliminate interruptions and distractions by turning off the television and radio.

* Involve everyone by giving each person a task to perform.

* Serve a variety of foods, but keep meals simple and easy.

A family dinner doesn't have to be elaborate. What's important is the time spent together. Think simple. Good options for families on the go are heat-and-serve items such as the new fun chicken products from Gold'n Plump. These nutritious products are in convenient re-sealable bags, and can be heated in minutes in a microwave or conventional oven.

A fun option for kids is Lil' Chicks, unique chicken-shaped nuggets made from 100-percent white meat. Versatile for meals or snacks, and a good source of protein, these cheerful chicken pieces will not only feed the kids, but entertain them as well.

For entertaining adults there is Chik'n Ribs: skinless thigh meat cut like a rib and glazed with hickory barbecue sauce. This rib-style chicken works well as an entr�e or can double as an appetizer at impromptu gatherings.

A convenient entr�e like pre-cooked and pre-seasoned chicken makes it possible to involve children in the meal preparation process. Minimal cooking skills are needed. Another benefit is mobility. Heat-and-eat chicken is easy to take along almost any place the family goes.

Fully cooked chicken from Gold'n Plump offers high quality meal options. It's also a good source of protein, with many fun product and flavor choices, like Gold'n Tenders, crispy breaded chicken tenders and Wing'ums, restaurant-style wings available in buffalo and honey barbecue flavors.

So get the family gathered around the table; if not everyday, then at least a few times a week. Instead of cooking complicated menus, spend time finding out what your children have been up to, and getting reacquainted with your spouse.

For more information on Gold'n Plump products go to www.goldnplump.com.