It’s crunch time! Register for the 2026 Great Apple Crunch

Join the celebration of local farmers, healthy kids and strong communities with the Great Apple Crunch! Your crunch can help Iowa and the Midwest region reach the collective goal of 1 million apple crunches.

Scheduled for noon on Oct. 14, the statewide crunch brings together individuals and groups interested in healthy, locally sourced foods. Iowa schools, early childhood centers, colleges and universities and other partners are highly encouraged to participate in this fun event that supports healthy eating and Iowa farm vendors.

"The Great Apple Crunch fits perfectly with October's National Farm to School Month, which celebrates healthy local foods for students and learners," said Meg Collins, section chief for the Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services at the Iowa Department of Education. "We hope to see schools, early care centers and postsecondary institutions across Iowa register to participate in the crunch this year."

Registration for the Great Apple Crunch is now open. There is no cost for the event. Participants only need to supply locally sourced apples for the crunch to join the crunch. If participants are unable to take part in the statewide crunch on Oct. 14 at noon, they can select an alternative date or time in October.

Iowa's Great Apple Crunch is sponsored through a partnership of the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Network, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Education.

Additional information and tips, including how to find locally sourced apples, can be found on the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Network's website.

Specific questions regarding the statewide Great Apple Crunch can be directed to Meg Collins at [email protected].