October is National Farm to School Month and Ohio is celebrating with the Great Apple Crunch! It’s fun and educational way to promote healthy eating, support local farmers, and highlight the importance of local foods.

Why participate?
The Great Apple Crunch is a simple event where groups of people (classrooms, schools, families, workplaces, communities, etc.) come together to bite into locally grown apples at the same time. It’s a great opportunity to:

• Eat healthy and enjoy fresh, local produce
• Support Ohio’s hardworking apple growers
• Highlight the value of local food systems
• Learn all about apples and where they come from

What is the Crunch?
It’s exactly what it sounds like! Gather your group, get some locally grown apples, and take a big, satisfying bite together. Whether you crunch on October 9th at noon or ANY time during the month, you’ll be part of a statewide celebration of local food and healthy habits.

Ready to join in?
It’s easy to participate—just register at go.osu.edu/applecrunch2025 and get ready to crunch!

Apple Crunch Resources

Where to Find Local Apples

• USDA On-Farm Market Directory: https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm
• Ohio Proud Farm Market Directory: Farm Markets | Ohio Proud
• Ohio Apples Directory: Find our orchards – Ohio Apples

Apple Crunch Activities

• Taste test multiple apple varieties and vote on your favorite.
• Feature a local apple recipe in your cafeteria or in the classroom.
• Invite a local farmer to join your Apple Crunch.
• Arrange an event to a local orchard. Pick your own apples and crunch under an apple tree.
• Do a hands-on cooking class for staff featuring a fresh, healthy apple recipe.
• Ask all staff to dress in the color of their favorite apple!

Promote Your Apple Crunch

• Announce the event in a staff, school, or community newsletter or e-newsletter.
• Promote the event through social media using the hashtags #OHAppleCrunch, #OHFarmtoSchool, and #F2SMonth.
• Arrange a special Apple Crunch planning meeting that’s open to the community.
• Create flyers, posters, or student artwork to hang around your school, childcare center, or office.
• Talk to cafeteria staff about including a local apple dish on the menu or purchasing local apples for your crunch.