TOPEKA, Kan. — This is the 10th anniversary of Farm to School month in October. We encourage Child Nutrition Programs to recognize, appreciate and celebrate local foods. In celebration of Farm to School Month, States throughout the Mountain Plains Region (CO, MT, MO, KS, NE, ND, SD, WY) are competing to see which State can get the most “crunches” into a local apple, or other local produce, per capita.
This is the second annual Mountain Plains Crunch Off and we need all Community and Ag Partners to participate with Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness in this event. Nebraska was the 2019 State Winner. Participants may designate any date in October to conduct their crunch. Due to COVID-19 guidelines; there is no requirement to have your group participate together at the same time. Individually, virtually or in small groups are all allowed.
Register your classroom, organization, committee, work group, community members, and local food enthusiasts of all ages at the survey link provided. Register at this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/535866Q A toolkit with resources and marketing information is provided at the registration link. Local apples may be sourced from produce vendors, Farmer’s Markets, grocers, or even your own backyard. Join us in celebrating local produce from our State. Your Crunch efforts will encourage healthy eating and support local agriculture while celebrating Farm to School Month and shedding light on the wonderful efforts of our Child Nutrition partners. If you have any questions, please contact Barb Depew, Farm to Plate Director at bdepew@ksde.org or phone 785-296-0062.
Bringing the bounty of America’s farms into Child Nutrition Programs as a part of breakfast and lunch is one of the best ways we can ensure children are receiving nutritious and delicious meals at school or child care! 2020-2021 Farm to Child Nutrition Program Sub-Grant Applications are available by Monday, October 5 at www.kn-eat.org, Farm to School, What’s New. Apply now to improve access to local foods in Child Nutrition Programs and increase agricultural education opportunities. Sub Grant applications are due on or before December 1, 2020. Contact Barb Depew at bdepew@ksde.org or 785-296-0062 if you have a question.
–Kansas State Department of Education, Child Nutrition and Wellness
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