As summer winds down, food lovers can still savor the sunniest season with National Eat Outside Day on Aug. 31. This year, Amy’s Kitchen invites fans to try plant-based meals while enjoying nature’s dining room, whether it’s on a picnic or while serving dinner in the backyard.
As a pioneer in organic and vegetarian convenience foods, Amy’s Kitchen offers an array of ready-to-eat options perfect for eating alfresco. For example, Amy’s Kitchen recently shared a post on its Instagram declaring, “Summer is here, it’s officially pizza picnic season” — even if it’s fresh from your oven and served outside on your patio or poolside.
From wraps to take on a picnic in the park to veggie burgers for backyard grilling, Amy’s provides tasty, nutritious choices to enjoy outside with family and friends.
Fresh Air and Organic Fare
Amy’s Kitchen President Paul Schiefer emphasizes the company’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. “We’ve always started from the very first day with this premise that every meal we serve should be good enough, taste good enough that we would serve it to our closest friends and family,” he explains.
“The way to do that is by finding the highest quality ingredients, working directly with farmers and growers on varieties and processing techniques so we get the best thing to start with.”
This dedication to quality extends to Amy’s sustainability practices. The company sources organic ingredients, which Schiefer notes bring “much higher levels of stored carbon in the soil, and 30%, 40% higher levels of biodiversity.” Additionally, Amy’s vegetarian products have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to meat-based alternatives. “When we sell an Amy’s Veggie Burger, it’s only 10% of the carbon footprint of a traditional meat-based offering,” Schiefer reveals.
For National Eat Outside Day, Amy’s Kitchen suggests preparing your favorite Amy’s Kitchen meal and enjoying a satisfying dining moment in the great outdoors. Spread a blanket under the backyard oak tree or toss a checkered cloth over your picnic table. Amy’s family-size options offer even more possibilities for group picnics or outdoor gatherings.
Diners can choose from a variety of Amy’s products to create a customized outdoor feast. The multipack burritos provide an easy grab-and-go option. For a more substantial spread, the family packs include favorites like cheese enchiladas, vegetable lasagna, and broccoli-cheddar bake. Simply warm it up and carry it in a thermal bag to your favorite outdoor spot or indulge in a quick and easy Amy’s Kitchen meal in your own backyard or on your deck.
Even though Schiefer is president of Amy’s Kitchen, he admits he has his top picks when it comes to selecting his own most coveted Amy’s eats. “My personal favorite, our poblano enchiladas, which are a more cream poblano sauce,” he describes. These flavorful options demonstrate Amy’s commitment to creating diverse, satisfying meals that cater to various tastes and dietary needs.
While the poblano enchiladas are more apropos for dining in your own garden, Amy’s Kitchen also offers more portable dining options such as its Greek Spanakopita Wrap.
Beyond the convenience factor, Amy’s Kitchen’s products align with growing consumer interest in plant-based eating and sustainable food choices.
Younger generations, particularly millennials and Generation Z, have been driving much of the growth in plant-based eating.
By choosing Amy’s Kitchen for their outdoor dining adventure, consumers can enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a company committed to environmental awareness.
Amy’s Kitchen’s focus on organic ingredients, sustainable practices, and regenerative agriculture makes its products an ideal choice for nature lovers celebrating National Eat Outside Day. As Schiefer notes, “We’ve oriented our supply chain from that from day one, and that’s just an incredible strength and gives us something quite unique.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond ingredients. Schiefer mentions that about 75% of Amy’s packaging is either compostable or recyclable, with plans to reach 100% in the near future. This eco-friendly approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of National Eat Outside Day, allowing people to minimize their environmental impact while enjoying the great outdoors.
For those inspired to make National Eat Outside Day a regular occurrence, Amy’s Kitchen offers a wide range of products available in over 50,000 grocery and convenience stores across the country. “You can find Amy just about everywhere,” Schiefer states, mentioning retailers like Target, Kroger, Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, and Publix. “Most grocery stores today in the country carry some amount of Amy’s products.”
As consumers pack their picnic baskets for National Eat Outside Day, they can feel good knowing that Amy’s Kitchen is on the menu. The company provides comprehensive health care to employees and their families, offers scholarships to employees’ children, and donates to communities in need.
The Berliners’ Garden-Inspired Approach to Food
Being outdoors is also something Amy’s Kitchen’s co-founders Rachel and Andy Berliner celebrate themselves. Nestled in the Petaluma, California, hills, their 1870s farmhouse and lush gardens have allowed them to grow vegetables and remain connected to fans of their brand in an organic way. “I try to invite people into my home by using the flowers from my garden on the packaging … It’s important to me that the people who eat our food have some personal connection with us because we really do care and want to cook for them,” Rachel Berliner added.
On a day when they’re photographing food for packaging, Rachel Berliner said she picks the flowers herself from her own garden before heading to the photo shoot.
“It’s been that way for 30 years,” Andy Berliner said.
