Crunch Time program advocates for healthy choices

It was crunch time at the Plains elementary school, thanks to the annual Montana Crunch Time program.  

Kindergarten through third-grade students kicked off this year’s event by having each of the four grades simultaneously crunch into an apple. Over 12,000 students, children and others took part in 55 locations around the state.  

This age group encounters a few problems with a big crisp apple. School Superintendent Kathleen Walsh said, “We didn’t think about the kids without front teeth, yet they still had fun.” 

Montana Crunch Time is a program sponsored by Montana Farm to School with collaboration between Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana Team Nutrition Program, Montana State University, and other partners. 

Walsh commented about the program. 

“The Crunch Day event was the beginning of our work with the USDA  Farm to School event we are now participating in,” Walsh said. “Its initial purpose is to bring awareness to not only healthy eating but also to become more aware of the vast array of good foods we have literally right in our own back yards. The development of the greenhouse, planting of the greenhouse and planting and using herbs in our CTE Classes are all part of the complete program. The goals are to grow in an understanding and appreciation for what our farmers provide us with and to learn how to incorporate healthy habits into our everyday lives.” 

Possible future goals for the upcoming year with the program include creating a salad bar at the school, design add-ons for the existing greenhouse at the school, and creating a greenhouse team. 

Plans for the upcoming year may include a local microgreen growing class by Cassy Moore. Microgreens can be grown on site or young people can grow them at home.  

Co-op programs will include community development and an online farmers market. Both programs instruct students about civic engagement, entrepreneurship, marketing and multiple project-based learning opportunities in seeing firsthand where their food comes from.

    Plains students Rhyatt Farthing, Jayce Carr, Rey Gayman, Reed Standeford and Trystan Bird take part in the Crunch Time program. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Kindergarten through third grade students in Plains take a bit out of their apples. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    First grader Shiloh Pinter enjoys a crunchy apple. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)