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Resources for Connecting Safely this Winter From ACL's Nutrition and Aging Resource Center   Winter is upon us and so is the holiday season. For many, this is a time of year for gathering with friends and family, while others may find themselves experiencing increased isolation. This time of year can mean more time spent indoors or outside enjoying the colder weather. Whatever this season means for you, the next few months will bring challenges due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. To help programs support safe holidays and a healthy winter experience, here are select resources from ACL’s Senior Nutrition Program and its Nutrition and Aging Resource Center. Real Program Practices Local senior nutrition programs share their creative practices for engaging participants. Sullivan Senior Center's Grab & Go – Connecticut program offers holiday smiles and meals. Georgia's Senior BrushStrokes – Camden County Senior Center fosters creative connection. Find more success stories from local programs across the country.   Activity Guides Created to celebrate the Senior Nutrition Program’s anniversary earlier this year, these activity and game guides are great for virtual get-togethers. Guided Imagery Text Challenge Recipe Sharing Program Reopening Resources For programs planning safe in-person gatherings, these resources around reopening after closures due to COVID-19 offer considerations, tips, and materials. Reopening Considerations Safety Signage and Communication Materials  Reopening Resources List Reopening Experiences Network Discussion The Senior Nutrition Program applauds local programs and the aging network for their continuing resilience and creative efforts to support communities during this challenging time. Programs are encouraged to remain dedicated to using flexible strategies and combatting social isolation to keep seniors, staff, and volunteers as safe and healthy as possible through the holidays and beyond. For more on staying well this season, check out CDC’s Strategies for a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season. Funded by ACL, the Nutrition and Aging Resource Center builds the capacity of senior nutrition programs funded by the Older Americans Act. These programs work to reduce food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition; enhance socialization; and promote health and well-being of older adults.  ACL.gov   Advancing independence, integration, and inclusion throughout life

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