Author, TV host and mother of seven children Hannah Keeley sat down with My Daily Moment recently to discuss how she masters the challenge of getting her family to the dinner table to share a meal and conversation.

For many American families, simply putting food on the table has become a challenge as a result of the economy. Hannah has teamed with Libby's Fruit and Vegetables and Feeding America to help those families have nutritious meals. Libby's will match donations up to $40,000 in its Virtual Canned Food Drive at GetBackToTheTable.com. Just $5 provides up to 35 meals!

As the host of PBS's Hannah, Help Me! and author of Hannah Keeley's Total Mom Makeover: A Six-Week Program to Completely Transform Your Home, Health, Family and Life, Hannah knows a little about multitasking. Here, she shares her secrets for reconnecting over a nutritious and fast meal.

Hannah: I know we're all busy, but it's so important to just take those moments and connect as a family. There are benefits across the board for kids who eat dinner with their families. They have better grades; they have better self-esteem and fewer incidences of eating disorders. But it's not going to happen unless you make it a priority - make it important to you.

MDM: Tell us about what you call the "simple steps for family meal time."

Hannah: The number-one step is to get the kids involved. Start at the beginning with them - planning, preparation, giving them tasks. This way, it's a process over which they have ownership. Planning ahead is the most important step in getting the family to the table. Planning meals in advance actually saves time and money because moms don't have to make those last-minute store trips. With a family of nine, I have to be budget-conscious, and that's why I keep a lot of canned foods in my pantry, like Libby's. I can pull them out and put together a meal for 10 bucks or less! There are a lot of great, nutritious recipes at GetBackToTheTable.com. And I'm a firm believer that it should be fun - get creative with your mealtime.
MDM: Your kids play soccer and other sports. How would you suggest families with kids who have a lot of extracurricular activities handle mealtime?

Hannah: If it's important, then you can find a way to make it happen. We've even had a picnic dinner by the soccer field. Keep in mind, being able to have a meal with your family is a luxury. I think we've lost sense of that - it's a privilege to be able to do it, because a lot of families can't afford that luxury. One out of every six Americans doesn't have food, and that's why I'm so excited to be partnering with Libby's on the virtual food drive. You can sign up and get your friends and family members to donate money to this wonderful cause. If you raise $1,500 or more, Libby's will set you up with free canned vegetables for a year. The company matches dollar for dollar contributions up to $40,000 as well.

MDM: Regarding the meal itself, what are your go-to meals and staples that you keep on hand?

Hannah: I love to keep a lot of canned fruits and vegetables on hand. Check out the recipes on GetBackToTheTable.com -- they are very affordable and some of my favorites!

MDM: How do you deal with your own kids' likes and dislikes? Do you have any picky eaters?

Hannah: I get them all involved in the process. If they help out with planning, then those preferences sort of get included. They know this is a family unit, and it's not about each and every person's particular desires. My kids know that this is our time together, and this isn't a restaurant; it's a home. They learn life lessons around the table. I always say, "You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit!"

MDM: How can people get involved in their own communities to ensure that families have enough food?

Hannah: Participate in the Get Back to the Table food drive, and look for ways to participate in your area. There are so many ways to help out.