Oregon Students Encouraged To Crunch On Thursday

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed October is Farm to School Month in Oregon.  To celebrate, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, the state Department of Education, the Oregon Farm to Network and Oregon State University have announced the Oregon Crunch at Once.

This Week's Even Is For Everyone

The statewide event, scheduled for Thursday, the 23rd, invites preK-12th grade students across the state to bite into Oregon produce at the same time.  The day is not just for students, farmers, parents, food and nutrition services and any school partners across Oregon are encouraged to participate.

"When we crunch together, we’re not just eating an apple—we’re supporting Oregon farmers, caring for our planet, and building stronger communities,” says Rosie Lanenga, Oregon’s Kid Governor.

Farm To School Program Has Benefited Oregon In Many Ways

The ODA said the Oregon Crunch at Once, a cornerstone of National Farm to School Month, aims to educate students about the importance of local farm communities and encourage healthy eating habits.  To date, Oregon’s Farm to School Program has invested more than $40 million to help nearly 600 farmers and agricultural businesses sell local food to more than 300 PreK to12 sites and provides funding to support education and activities in 800 school gardens across the state.

“Crunch at Once is a great activity that builds excitement about delicious local produce while educating students on how these foods are grown," said ODA Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson. "When the food grown in our fields and orchards ends up on our children's trays at school, it represents more than just a meal—it shares the story of Oregon agriculture, and the way we care for one another and support our local communities".

Last year, more than 40,000 preK-12 students participated in the Oregon Crunch at Once across the state. 

Click Here to learn more about Oregon Crunch At Once.

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