Which statement reflects a key benefit of family-style dining in preschool settings?

• A. It increases costs without benefits.
• B. It reduces opportunities for social interaction.
• C. It encourages independence and social skills during meals.
• D. It eliminates the need for nutrition education.

Answer: (C)

Family-style dining lets preschoolers take an active role at mealtimes, which builds essential skills. The key benefit is that it encourages independence and social skills during meals. When children serve themselves, pass dishes, pour drinks, and select portions with guidance, they practice self-help tasks and learn table manners. At the same time, meals become opportunities for social interaction: they greet peers, wait their turn, ask for help politely, and converse with teachers and classmates. This combination helps children become more confident, collaborative, and willing to try new foods, all within a supportive routine.

The other statements don’t fit because this approach actually enhances social interaction and does not inherently raise costs with no benefit, nor does it replace nutrition education—teachers can integrate learning about foods and healthy choices during the meal experience.