Montana State initiative to support local producers throughout October

BOZEMAN - It's crunch time for Montana residents looking to celebrate National Farm to School Month, local producers and nutritious foods throughout October.

Montana Crunch Off is a statewide event encouraging participants to "crunch" - or bite - into locally grown and raised food. The program supports Montana producers and local food-based initiatives throughout the state, said Haley Scott, program lead of Montana Team Nutrition and Montana Farm to School, which are housed at Montana State University. Montana Crunch Off also intends to help participants learn about healthy food and nutrition choices that last beyond the initiative.

Participants can register local produce, meat and other foods they have eaten throughout October. Schools, early care and education sites, workplaces and other groups can organize crunch events, or individuals can crunch on their own throughout the month. Last year, more than 26,000 Montanans joined the initiative, totaling more than $24,000 spent on local foods. This year's statewide goal is 30,000 crunches.

"When we purchase and serve local foods, it's a win-win-win - Montana producers, communities and kids all benefit. Local purchasing keeps dollars in our communities, creates opportunities for schools to connect with local producers and gives students access to nutritious, high-quality foods that help them learn and grow," Scott said. "The more opportunities students have to see where their food comes from and understand how nutritious, local foods make it to their plates, the more connected and excited they become about the food they eat."

Participants can stay up to date on the state's total crunch tally by visiting the Montana Crunch Off dashboard and map. The site is updated in real time as new registrants submit their crunches.

"Montana Crunch Off is a great opportunity to celebrate the farmers, ranchers and local producers who help feed our communities while encouraging students and families to make healthy choices," said Susie Hedalen, superintendent of the state's Office of Public Instruction. "I encourage Montanans of all ages to join the Crunch this October and celebrate the local food that makes our state so special."

The Montana Office of Public Instruction and  Montana Farm to School host the Montana Crunch Off. The program, which began in schools in 2013 before expanding to include all Montanans, is now in its 13th year.

The Crunch Off also supports nonprofit Abundant Montana's 33 x 33 goal to increase local food on Montana plates to 33% by 2033.

For more information, to register crunches or to download the crunch guide, visit the Montana Crunch Off survey.