We’re a month into Springtime, and it’s time to get outside! Luckily, it’s National Picnic Day, and baskets and blankets make every experience better. Outdoor picnics are the perfect way to spend some time with family, friends, or even yourself.
Pros of a Picnic [Fun Facts]: Did you know?
· Green space has been associated with positive psychological and physical health benefits. Studies support that time spent in parks has been associated with:
o Increased physical activity
o Improved physical and mental health
o Reduced stress and anxiety
o Decreased morbidity and increased longevity [1]
· Time spent in nature has been linked to improvements in:
o Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in children
o Health improvements in patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease
o Increased vitamin D production [2]
Picnic Tips:
· Prepare early: Pick your picnic spot ahead of time, pre-pack your softest outdoor blanket and wicker baskets, and most importantly, set aside some plastic silverware.
· Go gourmet: Upgrade your typical picnic cuisine and prepare a 4-course meal instead of your regular go-to sandwiches.
· Get active on the greenery: Work up your appetite with some picnic day activities such as frisbee or a mid-day walk. [5]
While picnics are a great way to spend time with friends and family and to enjoy your favorite meals outdoors, it is important to be mindful of proper food handling protocol. This will ensure food stays safe to consume and reduce any odds of foodborne illness.
Warm summer weather = opportunities for foodborne bacteria.
Picnic Protocol [Food Safety]:
· Start with a clean slate: Wash your hands before preparing any food and before you pack for your picnic, sanitize your cooler and wash any reusable bags that you'll use to transport food. Pack your food in clean, tightly sealed containers. Wash all produce such as fruits and vegetables before packing them away. [4]
· Monitor your temperatures: Avoid letting food sit out for more than two hours and only one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 F. The food danger zone, where bacteria grow quickly, is between 40 and 140 F. Use food coolers with ice or frozen gel packs to keep food cold (at or below 40 F) and to help protect hot foods, wrap them well and place them in an insulated container until serving time. [4]
· Don’t cross-contaminate. If you’ve packed any raw meat, poultry, or seafood, be sure to keep it securely wrapped. This keeps their juices from contaminating prepared/cooked foods or foods that will be eaten raw, such as fruits and vegetables. Pack additional utensils such as plates and utensils to help prevent cross-contamination. [3]
References:
[1] Repke, M. A., Berry, M. S., Conway, L. G., 3rd, Metcalf, A., Hensen, R. M., & Phelan, C. (2018). How does nature exposure make people healthier?: Evidence for the role of impulsivity and expanded space perception. PloS one, 13(8), e0202246. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202246
[2] Swierad, E. M., & Huang, T. (2018). An Exploration of Psychosocial Pathways of Parks' Effects on Health: A Qualitative Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(8), 1693. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15081693
[3] Washburn, C. (2015). Ask a specialist: Food safety for picnics. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/food-safety-picnics
[4] Klemm, S. (2020). How to Prevent 7 picnic food SAFETY MISTAKES. Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://www.eatright.org/health/lifestyle/seasonal/how-to-prevent-7-picnic-food-safety-mistakes
[5] National picnic day. (2021). Retrieved April 21, 2021, from https://nationaltoday.com/national-picnic-day/