It’s crunch time! Iowa is joining six other Midwest states to pursue a record 1.2 million crunches during this year’s Great Apple Crunch. Iowa schools, early childhood centers, colleges and other partners are highly encouraged to join in these efforts and register for the official statewide crunch on Oct. 8.
The Great Apple Crunch is a fun, annual celebration that promotes local foods and farm vendors, healthy kids and strong communities, and any individual or group can participate. The only requirements for the event are purchasing locally sourced apples and planning a coordinated crunch at noon on Oct. 8. Participants can also set an alternative date or time in October for their event if they are unable to take part in the statewide crunch date.
“With October’s National Farm to School Month, the Great Apple Crunch is an excellent way for Iowa schools, colleges and early childhood care and education centers to get students and young learners excited about healthy local foods,” said Meg Collins, Iowa Farm to School consultant at the Iowa Department of Education. “We encourage all Iowans to participate in this year’s crunch. Let’s get to 1.2 million crunches in the Midwest!”
Iowa’s Great Apple Crunch is sponsored through a partnership of the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Network, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Education.
Registration for the Great Apple Crunch is now open for groups and individuals.
Additional information and tips, including how to find locally sourced apples, can be found in the Iowa Farm to School Early Care Network’s Crunch Guide.
Questions regarding the Great Apple Crunch can be directed to Meg Collins at meg.collins@iowa.gov.