FAIRBURY - Jefferson County Judge Linda Bauer issued a challenge to fourth graders at Jefferson Intermediate Friday. She's challenging these students to eat dinner with their families at least twice a week.

Starting Jan. 12, Judge Bauer is asking fourth graders to eat with their family, and post photos on social media with the hashtag #ComeToTheTableNebraska. Photos can also be posted to the Come to the Table Nebraska Facebook page.

Judge Bauer says the challenge was started as a grassroots initiative through the Nebraska Judicial Branch as a way to build stronger family connections.

"Those of us who work in child welfare realize that we can keep throwing money at trying to help fix families after they've reached a crisis mode," Bauer said, "or we can try and implement a lot more preventative measures to try to build up families and keep them strong."

So far, Jefferson and Red Willow are the only counties in the state taking part in the Come to the Table challenge right now. Bauer also announced the winners of a November coloring contest, where students were asked to draw a picture of their families eating a meal together.

The first place winner was Madison Jo Arner. Jacob Henry placed second and Kaydence Poley placed third.

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