A picnic is an opportunity to enjoy a meal outside. It is important to bring foods that will not go bad rapidly. Also, you will need to pick foods that will not immediately attract bugs or cause allergy or chocking hazards. Try to offer a selection of foods so everyone will find something to enjoy.
Carrot & Celery Sticks
Carrot and celery sticks are easy finger foods to eat at a picnic. These two vegetables have a lot of health benefits and are easy to transport. They are also colorful and add to the visual display on a picnic table. Rinse and scrub the carrot and celery sticks to ensure that all toxins have been removed from the fruit, advises the Food and Drug Administration.
Turkey Burgers & Turkey Hot Dogs
Turkey burgers or turkey hot dogs are a health-conscious food choice to serve at a picnic if a grill will be available. These foods contain lower levels of fat and salt than traditional hot dogs and hamburgers. Pack the frozen turkey burgers or turkey dogs in a cooler with ice packs or gel packs that will keep food at a temperature of 40 degrees or below.
Sandwich Foods
Foods such as jam, hard cheese and peanut butter are safe items to bring to a picnic to make sandwiches, notes the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Check with the adults present at the picnic that neither they nor the children have a peanut allergy before opening the jars of peanut butter. Bring a variety of breads for the sandwiches, such as pita and wheat bread. A loaf of home-baked bread is always a good idea at a picnic too.
Bananas
Bananas left in the peel are a good treat for the kids attending the picnic. Bananas are full of potassium and sugar. They boost energy even on the hottest summer day.
Pumpkin Seeds & Nuts
Jars of pumpkin seeds or nuts make a good snack for picnics too. Get nuts without salt to keep the meal healthy.
Fruit Bowl
A bowl of fresh chopped fruits is an easy way to pack a lot of nutrition into a picnic lunch. Chop the fruits the night before and chill in the refrigerator overnight in a sealed container. To get a variety of vitamins in each bowl of fruit, use colorful fruits such as kiwi, watermelon, honeydew, peach slices, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple and guava.
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