On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, at noon, Fallbrook STEM Academy participated in the statewide California Crunch event, hosted by the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) Child Nutrition Services Department. The event, held as part of National Farm to School Month, encouraged students to bite into fresh, locally grown California apples in a fun celebration promoting healthy eating and local agriculture.
Students gathered at noon to take part in a synchronized “crunch,” joining thousands of students across California in celebrating the state’s rich agricultural heritage. The apples, generously donated by local farmers from the De Luz area, provided a fresh and delicious snack for the students while reinforcing the importance of farm-to-school initiatives.
“The students were so excited and eager to bite into the apples,” said Amy Haessly, Director of Child Nutrition Services at FUESD. “One little girl shared with me that she had never eaten an apple before. The Campus Supervisor confirmed she never eats any fruits or vegetables, but then she ate the apple! I love these special events that get the students excited about the great foods we have growing locally and offered daily in the cafeteria. Thank you to everyone for being such great partners! We love Farm to School at FUESD!”
In addition to the apple crunch, students participated in interactive lessons on nutrition, farming, and the benefits of fresh produce. The event supported FUESD’s broader efforts to educate students about sustainable agriculture and the value of making healthy food choices.
The CA Crunch event is a key part of FUESD’s ongoing commitment to integrating locally sourced ingredients into school meals and promoting farm-to-school programs, which aim to improve student wellness and support local farmers.