Are you looking for a simple and fun activity to share with your family? As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time of the year to pack up a picnic basket and head out with the family. We have a few tips to make sure your picnic will be a walk in the park and allergy-friendly!
Keep it simple
You don’t have to go far to enjoy eating outside with your family. You can even pack up a basket and head out to the back yard!
Pack in advance
We recommend packing for your picnic ahead of time so you don’t forget any key ingredients. Make sure to pack:
- Tablecloths if your location has a picnic table
- Blankets if you plan on hanging out on the grass
- Napkins
- Anti-bacterial spray or wet wipes (Keep those hands clean!)
- Plates
- Utensils
- Cups
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Emergency medication & epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed by your doctor
- Allergy-friendly food
*Don’t forget to throw in extra hand wipes so it is easy for everyone to clean up after they eat!
The Food Network even came up with a clever infographic for the ultimate packable picnic (click on the image to view larger):
Pack food separately and safely
Whether you are going to a restaurant or planning a simple picnic in your own back yard, there is always a chance of cross contamination with food allergens. If your picnic plans include a mix of foods, be sure to pack foods in separate, sealed containers. Also bring enough serving utensils that each dish can have its own dedicated scoop, spoon, fork, or spatula. You can even color coordinate or label containers to make sure you are staying safe.
As the weather starts to warm up, another handy tip is to make sure to pack and keep your food safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a handy handout you can download to help you handle food safely when eating outdoors.
Pack treats
All picnics need a tasty treat (or two!). Our Neocate Junior Brownie Bites are perfect to prepare ahead of time and add to the basket. For more delicious, dairy-free Neocate recipes, check out our Recipe Booklet.
Have an emergency plan
Not to be a downer, but life happens. In emergency situations it’s easy to panic and forget what you need to do to help someone having an allergic reaction. For such instances, it’s best to have an emergency plan of action. Prior to your outing, write down what needs to be done in case of emergency – this will not only help you but can also serve as a guideline for any other adults onsite who can offer a hand.
Enjoy!
