By Sarah Smith, former staff member
On Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, nearly 21,000 students in the Midwest states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota celebrated National Farm to School Month by signing up to crunch into locally and regionally grown apples at noon from the comfort of their own schools.
At Prairie Hill Learning Center in Roca, Neb., students 18 months to eighth grade bit into local apples from Union Orchard, near Union, Neb. (close to Nebraska City). Local and fresh foods aren't a novel idea for this school. Garden and outdoor education is integrated into daily activities for all ages.
Prairie Hill is committed to purchasing 60 to 75 percent of their produce locally in the growing season. Chris Eigbrett, director of pedagogical support, spoke with local news show, Pure Nebraska, about farm to school at Prairie Hill.
"We have decided to make it intentional and a real priority to connect our students with local food and agriculture," Chris said.
The Midwest Great Apple Crunch engaged thousands of students, and adults, too. It was an opportunity to support healthy eating and local food purchasing, and connect food and agriculture with classroom activities and curricula – from science to art.
Remember, it's not too late to celebrate #F2SMonth! Pledge to take one small step with the National Farm to School Network and you could win prizes for your school. Learn more.
