Individuals across Montana are invited to participate in Montana Crunch Time, a celebration of Food Day and National Farm to School Month, set for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. 

“Montana Crunch Time” encourages people to eat locally and regionally grown apples at a predetermined date and time. The event is designed to encourage healthy eating habits and support local food-based initiatives throughout the state, according to Aubree Roth, Farm to School coordinator at the Montana Team Nutrition program based at Montana State University. It is also designed to help people learn through healthy food and nutrition choices. Roth said that more than 20,000 children and adults across the state participated in the event last year, up from 11,000 participants in 2013.

In addition, a free guide about apples has been created and is available to interested individuals. This year’s guide features a new section that focuses on Crunch Time in early childhood education, with links to activities and lessons for all subject areas. The Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana Team Nutrition program housed at MSU, National Center for Appropriate Technology, FoodCorps Montana, Eat Right Montana, and other statewide partners created the guide.

To receive the guide, to register for Montana Crunch Time or for other resources, visit www.opi.mt.gov/Farm2School.

People who participate in Montana Crunch Time are also invited to share their video, photos or audio of the event by using the hashtag #MontanaCrunchTime on social media sites.