'Crunch Day' comes to Plains

Students of Plains Elementary School showed their support for healthy eating by simultaneously chomping down on an apple in the school cafeteria last week.

"It's a day of healthy eating from Farms To Schools," said Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh, who joined the 120 kids of kindergarten through third grade to make the statement. A dozen teachers also took part. Walsh said that it was a celebration of National Farm To School Month, local producers and nutritious foods. Before the first bite, she explained to the kids why they were doing Crunch Day.

"Montana Crunch Time is a statewide event encouraging participants to crunch or bite into locally grown and raised food. The program is designed to support Montana producers and local food-based initiatives throughout the state," said Haley Scott of Montana State University's Montana Team Nutrition. She said that Crunch Time is intended to help participants learn about healthy food and nutrition choices. The program is hosted by the Montana Farm To School leadership team and the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

MSU started the program in 2013, but this was the first time that Plains School has participated, said Principal Kevin Meredith, who did the countdown to the first bite. The first collective crunch was on Oct. 8, but schools, churches, and other organizations joined in throughout the month. The statewide goal this year was 30,000. "I thought the Crunch Time event was a good way to highlight healthy eating. I think it is always more impactful for our students to see each other practicing healthy habits," said Meredith, who added that they'd gladly do it next year, if the opportunity arises.

Walsh said the school is participating in other aspects of the Farm To School program. The school will be getting fruit trees and vegetable seedlings in the spring as part of the Farm To School grant. In addition, the Easter Seals/Goodwill nonprofit organization will be supplying workers (55 years and older) as part of the organization's Senior Community Service Employment Program to care for the plants. All will be at no cost to the school.

"Any time you can bring about a greater understanding of the importance of healthy eating for our students that is a plus," said Walsh, adding that highlighting the importance of supporting local farmers is a bonus. "I think it changes the way we look at food. Hopefully, it sticks with them. Little ones like this are more impressionable. Maybe they'll go home and encourage their parents to eat healthy," she said. "I guess we didn't think of the poor kids with no front teeth," said Walsh, " but they still had fun."