Summer Picnic Guide
Everyone loves a picnic. But some are better at organizing one than others. Make planning the perfect picnic a breeze with our easy picnic guide.
Choose a location
Before you start prepping and packing, make sure you have a location picked out. This will help you determine what you need to bring and how food should be properly stored and or packed. Southern Oregon is overflowing with beautiful places to grill a burger or enjoy a cold beverage. From the Japanese Gardens to the swimming reservoir, you can’t go wrong with Ashland’s gem, Lithia Park. A short drive from Ashland and a moderate hike, Grizzly Peak offers picnicking with a view. Stressed for time? Get a grab and go lunch from the Deli, relax in the Co-op Courtyard and enjoy the people watching.
Prep everything
From cutting veggies to assembling burger patties, prep everything ahead of time. It will keep the fuss—and mess—to a minimum once you get outside.
Stay sun safe and bug free
Avoid looking like a lobster and make sure to wear a hat, layers and slather on all natural sunscreen. Pack a bottle of chemical-free mosquito repellent from the Wellness Department to keep the bugs at bay.
Go green
Bring reusable napkins and avoid fly-away paper napkins. If you are using disposable flatware or other products, look for recycled and biodegradable options at the Co-op. And remember, you packed it in, you pack it out. Keep your favorite picnic spot clean and pristine for the next al fresco diners.
Make it fun
Make your picnic special. Stop by the Co-op for a fresh cut bouquet of flowers from Le Mera Gardens to adorn your picnic table or blanket. Turn on some tunes, bring a book, a game, bubbles, or a Frisbee to play with when you are done eating. And remember, picnicking is a great time to unplug so turn off that cell phone.
In a hurry? Or feeling spontaneous? The Co-op has a variety of fresh, pre-made dips, salads and sandwiches to ease the planning stress and get you on your way to relaxation and sunshine. Check out our July/August newsletter for more picnicking tips and our favorite summer recipes.
More Co-op News
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Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
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May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
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April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
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people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
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November Change for Good Partner: Vesper Meadow Education Program
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October Change for Good Partner: AFC Gives Community Fund
October's Change for Good Partner is
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September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power
September's Change for Good Partner is
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