Missouri Students to Take Part in “Crunch Off” During Farm-to-School Month

Missouri Governor Mike Parson proclaimed October to be Farm to School Month. Farm to School Month celebrates school nutrition professionals, farmers and ranchers nationwide for their contributions to feeding Missouri students.

Schools throughout the state will be celebrating Farm to School Month by participating in the national Crunch Off to bring awareness of Missouri grown products. Crunch Off is a time students will be encouraged to crunch into a Missouri apple or other locally grown produce.

Missouri school districts and Early Childcare Education Centers can purchase their produce from a local farmer and receive reimbursement up to $1,000 with the Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools Grant Program. This project aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in children and adults in schools/ECEs.

Each school who participates will be required to complete one educational activity about specialty crop production including the farmer who grew the produce.