Safe & Healthy Fall Celebrations Begin with Buehler’s 

It’s time to say farewell to summer and hello to fall. After months of isolating, Zoom meetings and quarantining, many of us are ready to socialize with friends and family to enjoy all that autumn brings. This year’s celebrations, however, will look a bit different as we forego the crowded tailgate parties and busy fall festivals in lieu of smaller events with new safety rules. But it is still possible to celebrate together in a pandemic, says Registered Dietitian Annette Maggi, “if we follow some safety guidelines, we can lower the risk of outdoor get togethers to share food and celebrate the season.”

At Buehler’s, we understand the need for social interaction along with your desire to stay healthy and safe. Working together with our team of dedicated employees and health professionals we have assembled some delicious, healthy recipes, easy menu plans, beautiful fall décor and simple tips to help you celebrate safely (add link to menu planner). So, whether you throw a small backyard tailgate party, enjoy a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest, or create a family Octoberfest celebration, we have you covered.

Tips for celebrating safely:

• Stay outside if possible as the continuous introduction of fresh air will dissipate viruses that may be present. Encourage social distancing by placing tables and chairs a safe six feet apart.
• Communicate clear ground rules for guests regarding face masks, seating, distancing and food service.
• Set up a hand washing/sanitizing station outside for everyone to use before and after eating. In the restroom place disposable towels along with lots of soap and hand sanitizer.
• Place some touchless garbage cans around and wear gloves when handling any trash.
• Help guests stay well by choosing a menu with a variety of healthful ingredients like whole grains, fruits and veggies, and organic or plant-forward options. Use the Healthy Living tags at Buehler’s to help you easily identify products.
• If you are serving food buffet-style, place protective barriers over any exposed food and have hand sanitizer readily available for guests in line and have one person serving shareable items.
• Give guests the option to bring their own dishes and utensils and offer individual side dishes. For example, plastic cups with fresh veggies and the dip at the bottom or individual trail mix.
• Keep all food safe by following the core four practices from the Partnership for Food Safety Education: clean, separate, cook, chill. Be diligent about cleaning hands and surfaces and watchful about cross-contamination. Cook foods to appropriate temperatures, and refrigerate them promptly.
• Before the celebration ends, the CDC recommends writing down the name of all your guests in case you need it for contract tracing in the future.
• Stay outside if possible as the continuous introduction of fresh air will dissipate viruses that may be present. Encourage social distancing by placing tables and chairs a safe six feet apart.