Thanksgiving looked very different this year in Canada and around the world. Regardless of the date of on which you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, adjustments had to be made to adhere to strict COVID guidelines. In this COVID world, the traditional Thanksgiving of the past where all of the family would gather around and have dinner is a thing of the past until a vaccine is found. Worldwide gatherings are being limited and social/physical distancing is the norm. Food safety remains paramount as we must remember to wash our hands frequently, sanitize all contact surfaces and maintain social distancing.

Many of us will be and are having ZOOM Thanksgiving dinners with our families as a method to still maintain that connection and togetherness. It is extremely tough for those in our families who are elderly and many not be mobile enough to prepare the fancy holiday dinner on their own or have been isolated so long and yearn for the comfort and companionship that family gatherings offer.  FoodPrep offers Zoom training for aspiring food handlers to accommodate social distance and working from home protocols.

Families are being creative with drive by events and preparing dinners in advance that can be delivered to loved ones and extended family. The focus is not only on food safety and personal safety but also mental health and wellbeing. It is important to be aware of the toll COVID-10 has had on the mental health and wellbeing of not only ourselves but family members and society as a whole.

In next month’s posting we will further explore the importance of maintaining that Holiday spirit while adhering to safe food handling practices and COVID safety guidelines. We will also expand on the discussion of caring for the mental health and wellbeing of yourself and others during a joyous time which can be difficult for many who find themselves isolated from their loved ones or overwhelmed by societal changes.  Happy and safe holidays to all.