News Apple Crunch Day Brings The Farm To School For Students

Apple Crunch Day Brings The Farm To School For Students

Apple Crunch Day Brings The Farm To School For Students
September 14, 2020 |

Alabama teachers, students and families are invited to bite into Farm to School Month Oct. 21 during Apple Crunch Day. In addition to enjoying farm-fresh fruit, learners will get to the core of agricultural education thanks to a virtual farm tour.

“October is National Farm to School Month. To celebrate, students across the state will be able to ride along with Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey for an informative and fun virtual field trip at Scott’s Orchard in Hazel Green,” said Alabama Farmers Market Authority Director Don Wambles. “Students will also enjoy a virtual apple lab that explores several varieties of apples, how they grow and much more.”

Will Scott of Hazelgreen works at the family farm in Madison County that grows a variety of apples and has a you-pick operation

The Alabama Farmers Federation is producing the virtual field trip as a member of the Alabama Farm to School Alliance. Alabama Ag in the Classroom also is promoting the online event while encouraging students, parents and educators to share their Apple Crunch Day experiences on social media. 

“This is our 4th annual Apple Crunch Day, and we are excited to be featuring the virtual farm tour,” Wambles said. “The main event will include a collective crunch via Facebook Live Oct. 21, but you are welcome to crunch an apple any day or time in October that works for you.”

Farm to School is a growing national trend that encourages schools to use their food purchasing dollars to buy from local farms.

Resources help schools enhance their curriculum with nutrition education and gardening activities.

Wambles said students develop a deeper relationship with food, and the purchase of farm-fresh products bolsters local economies. It also helps family farms thrive, he said.

To be counted in this year’s crunch and for additional resources, register at AlabamaFarmtoSchool.org.

Wambles encourages families, classrooms, businesses and anyone who wants to “crunch” to share pictures or videos using the hashtags #ALCrunchDay #SweetGrownAlabama and #ALF2S. 

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