What is the Michigan Apple Crunch?

The Michigan Apple Crunch encourages healthy eating, promotes farm-to-school purchasing, and supports the Michigan Apple industry by inviting schools, early care and education sites, non-profits, businesses, and individuals to collectively crunch a Michigan Apple on Crunch Day in celebration of National Farm-to-School Month and Michigan Apple Month.

Join in the festivities by crunching into a locally grown Michigan Apple on Crunch Day, October 15, or any other day in October.

Everyone is welcome to join in Michigan Apple Crunch Day, whether with a group or as an individual, so spread the word and invite others in your community to join in the celebration.

Register Your Crunch

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Plan Your Crunch

Assemble your Crunch Planning Team

Invite teachers, food service staff, administrators, parents, and students to participate in the event planning process.

What to consider as you plan

When will you crunch?

Schools may choose lunchtime, snack time, or possibly an all-school assembly. However, staff meetings, soccer practice, community gatherings, and other evening activities can also be a great time.

How many apples do we need?

Get enough apples so everyone can join. Consider your support staff, community members, or anyone else you might invite to join you.

Where will you get your apples from?

Small quantities can be easy to pick up at the grocery store. Schools and other larger organizations may be able to use your regular supplier, but be sure your apples are coming from here in Michigan.

How can we celebrate even more?

Fun activities, bringing apples into the classroom, and spreading the word to others in your community can build on the excitement of the crunch.

Register Your Crunch

Register your crunch for free to receive a Crunch Guide with more resources on planning your crunch day, sourcing Michigan Apples, and bringing Michigan Apple Crunch Day into the Classroom.

Register Now

Don’t Forget

Here are a few things you don’t want to forget as Michigan Apple Crunch Day grows closer:

  • Announce the Crunch in your newsletter, email, or during pick-up and drop-off. Use this opportunity to find volunteers to help with classroom or kitchen Michigan Apple Crunch activities.
  • Print off Crunch flyers or posters to decorate your classroom, hang in your center, or send home.
  • Mark the Crunch on your meal and snack menu, and include the orchard that grew the apples (if that information is available).
  • Promote the event on social media using the hashtags #MIAppleCrunch and #MichiganAppleCrunch, #MIapples, and tag Michigan Apple Crunch.
  • Find someone to take pictures, grab a volunteer, or designate a staff member to take photos of your crunch.