Menu Planning Considerations FOOD Menu Planning Considerations

Importance of Food 1. Staying healthy Keeping well-nourished plays an instrumental role in fighting illness and disease. 2. Building and repairing body tissue 3. Attitude Without good nutrition, disposition and attitude deteriorate rapidly. 4. Energy Food provides the energy that allows us to take part in physical activities. 5. Mental alertness Thought processes and decision-making ability deteriorate without good nutrition.

Food Planning Considerations 1. Energy content - The number of calories supplied by a food item in relation to its bulk and weight. 2. Nutritional balance 3. Bulk and weight 4. Spoilage - The risk of food spoiling varies with the season and region.

Food Planning Considerations 5. Expense and availability - Is it available, and if so, can the group afford it? 6. Ease of packaging and handling a. Package food in reusable plastic bags or containers. Make sure that you carry all of these out, since they will not easily decompose. b. Make sure all foods can be packaged to prevent spilling. c. If camping in bear country, select foods that do not have strong scents or odors.

Food Planning Considerations 7. Variety a. The longer the trip, the more important this becomes as a morale booster. Few people want to eat the same thing day after day. b. The more variety, the better the chance of appealing to everyone’s food tastes. 8. Preparation time Consider preparation time when selecting foods. Decide on a moderate amount of cooking time (e.g., 20 minutes) and select foods accordingly.

Brainstorming Ideas Breakfast – ready crisp bacon, eggs (hard case) powdered eggs, cereal (powdered milk) instant oatmeal, bagels (with spread), yogurt bars, special K bars, english muffins (restaurant condiments) Lunch – instant soup (cup ‘o, mr. noodles) hotdogs (with pita), jerkey, pasta, sauce, canned pasta, beans, easy mac, prepared rice meals

Ideas cont’d Supper – prepared chilli/stew, instant pototoes, stove top stuffing, packaged veggies, luncheon meats Snacks – trail mix, pep sticks, granola bars, energy bars, jerkey, pb, popcorn, crackers (pringles) Drinks – powdered juice, hot cho, kool aid singles, crystal light, powerade, coffee, tea