As I reflect on my 40th birthday, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for my incredible family who is just so much fun to be with! Gratitude for my husband, who has been a true partner in creating a safe, loving home. Gratitude for the team who has been the backbone of Kate’s Plate. Gratitude for my own parents who have supported and loved me on the best and worst days.

Looking back, family meals have always been a cornerstone of my life. Growing up, my parents made it a priority to sit down together for dinner most every evening. They cooked pretty basic things, from what I remember. Pasta and sauce, homemade taco night (they made their own shells!), turkey chili. Grilled chicken and veggie kabobs was one of my favorites. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about sharing our day, and simply being a family. Those moments around the table fostered an appreciation for the importance of family face-time and home-cooked meals.

Kate’s Plate isn’t just a business; it’s a manifestation of my passion for family, health, and togetherness. Our meal kits are designed to make healthy eating convenient and enjoyable. Each kit is crafted with intention and care, ensuring that the meals are not only nutritious but also easy to prepare. My goal is to give families, with children or not, the gift of time – time to sit down, connect, and enjoy each other’s company without the stress of meal planning and preparation.

As I celebrate this milestone birthday, I am incredibly thankful for the support of my family, friends, and our loyal customers. You have all been an integral part of this journey. You have helped give me a vital string to keep going on, through my own trauma of abuse and loss which was the most stressful thing I have ever been through. Seeing families come together over a Kate’s Plate meal brings me immense joy and reaffirms why I started this venture in the first place. It gives me purpose.

Family meals are more than just food on a plate. They are a time to bond, to share stories of your day, and to create lasting memories. Research shows that these moments have significant benefits for children. According to studies, children who regularly participate in family meals are more likely to:

• Perform better academically: Regular family meals have been linked to higher grades and improved school performance.
• Develop healthier eating habits: Kids who eat with their families tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods.
• Exhibit better emotional well-being: Shared mealtimes can reduce the likelihood of children experiencing depression and anxiety.
• Engage in fewer risky behaviors: Adolescents who have frequent family dinners are less likely to engage in substance abuse or other risky behaviors.

In today’s ridiculously fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of these simple yet profound moments. Through Kate’s Plate, I hope to inspire more families to prioritize mealtime and to experience the joy and connection it brings. I know not every mealtime looks like the ones on Instagram. Kids throw tantrums, meals get burned/ruined, kids fight, spouses disagree, things get spilled, family rushes out the door to get to their next practice…but it’s still worth it.

As I step into this new decade, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here’s to many more shared meals, cherished moments, and healthy, happy families.

With love and gratitude,

Kate