We should probably be even more concerned about the weight our children have put on over the same period. In 2007 a UNICEF study reported that Canadian children ranked second worst among developed countries in terms of obesity.

If you’re interested in the connection between this problem and the declining frequency with which our children share meals and conversation with their parents, then come and hear a discussion of At the Table: Nourishing Conversation and Food at the Deer Park branch of the Toronto Public Library, 40 St. Clair Ave. E., Tuesday, January 15, 2012 2.00 p.m.-3.30 p.m.

Rather than doom and gloom, however, the book is really a celebration of family and friends gathering around the dinner table for good food and conversation. So, in a similar vein, most of the talk will focus on entertaining tales shared at dinnertime, with only a smattering of alarming statistics.

Can’t make it to the talk? You can always buy the book by contacting Penumbra Press: www.penumbrapress.com.