Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed October to be Farm to School Month in Missouri. Farm to School Month celebrates school nutrition professionals, farmers and ranchers nationwide for contributions to feed Missouri students.

“Farm to School Month is a great opportunity to share the work farmers, ranchers and schools do to feed students,” stated Director Of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “Providing healthy food for the next generation is an important aspect of Missouri Agriculture.”

Schools can celebrate the Farm to School Month by participating in the national Crunch Off to bring awareness of Missouri grown products. Everyone is encouraged to crunch into a Missouri apple or any other locally grown produce this month.

Missouri school districts and Early Childcare Education Centers (ECE) can purchase their produce from a local farmer and receive reimbursement up to $1,000 with the Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools Grant Program. The project aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in children and adults in schools and ECE’s.

Each school or ECE is required to complete one educational activity about specialty crop production. The specialty crop can be for taste testing, educational activity or served in regular school meals.