Peace Garden News

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is inviting groups across the state to take part in the Mountain Plains Crunch Off, an event marking Farm to School Month in October. The initiative involves a friendly competition among seven states, including North Dakota, to see which can log the highest number of participants taking a “crunch” into local produce or minimally processed food per capita.

Last year’s event saw participation from over 80,000 North Dakotans alongside thousands from the wider Mountain Plains region.

“We are encouraging students, teachers, farmers, parents, community members and local food enthusiasts to participate,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “The Crunch Off is a great way to celebrate Farm to School Month and supports local agriculture. North Dakota schools are sourcing more local products every year, from apples and cucumbers to beef and bread, helping students taste and learn about the bounty grown close to home.”

Those wishing to organize a Crunch event can register online at https://forms.office.com/g/kjdXDZBNh3. Events may be held through October 31, 2025. Resources for hosting an event are available in the Crunch Off Toolkit at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/crunch.

The Crunch Off is one component of Farm to School Month activities nationwide each October. The month aims to promote food education, school gardens, and meals made with local ingredients in schools across the United States. Farm to School Month was established as part of a national program designed both to increase student consumption of locally produced foods and encourage learning about food production and sourcing.

Questions about participating or learning more about Farm to School efforts can be directed either to Jenna Nieters with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-2659 or jnieters@nd.gov, or Amanda Olson with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction at 701-328-0817 or amolson@nd.gov.