October 7, 2025, Pickering, Ontario —
The Association of Certified Professional Nutritionists (ACPN), together with the Dulan Forever Young Activity Center, co-hosted the “Blossoms and Full Moon: Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration”, with support from the International Culture Federation (ICF). The event was part of ACPN’s “Nourishing Connections” initiative, focusing on enhancing seniors’ emotional well-being, social engagement, and nutritional awareness through hands-on cooking and cultural sharing.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, the celebration created a meaningful opportunity for nearly one hundred community members to reconnect through food, music, and art. The goal was to combat loneliness and isolation by encouraging seniors to participate in collective culinary activities that foster friendship and a sense of belonging.
The event began with welcome remarks by Ms. Qian Caixia, President of the Dulan Forever Young Activity Center, followed by greetings from Ms. Maggie Yu, Director of ACPN; Ms. Kristin, Manager of Culture Link CCMP; and Mr. Jim Tai, representative of ICF. Ms. Yu highlighted that “nutrition is not only about food — it is about connection, vitality, and joy in daily living.”
The most memorable part of the day was the interactive cooking session, where participants learned to make snow-skin mooncakes and sushi rolls together. The process of kneading, shaping, and sharing food brought smiles, laughter, and conversation — a true embodiment of “healing through connection.” The handcrafted mooncakes symbolized reunion, while the colorful sushi represented creativity and diversity.
Alongside the culinary experience, the program included singing, dancing, and wellness-themed performances such as Tai Chi and Five-Animal Exercises, emphasizing physical vitality and cultural pride.
By the end of the day, participants not only shared delicious food but also rediscovered the joy of community and self-expression. The event demonstrated how nutrition, culture, and compassion can come together to nourish both body and spirit.
“Cooking together helps us remember that we are never alone,” said one attendee. “It’s food, friendship, and happiness — all in one moment.”
