Governor Tina Kotek has declared October as Farm to School Month in Oregon. To celebrate, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), Oregon State University, and the Oregon Farm to School & School Garden Network are organizing the statewide event “Oregon Crunch at Once” on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The event encourages preK-12 students, farmers, parents, food and nutrition services staff, and school partners across Oregon to take a simultaneous bite of locally grown produce. This activity aims to highlight the state’s agricultural resources and promote healthy eating in schools.
“When we crunch together, we’re not just eating an apple—we’re supporting Oregon farmers, caring for our planet, and building stronger communities,” said Rosie Lanenga, Oregon’s Kid Governor.
The Oregon Crunch at Once is a key part of National Farm to School Month. Its goal is to educate students about local agriculture and encourage healthy dietary habits. Since its inception, the state’s Farm to School Program has invested over $40 million. These funds have helped nearly 600 farmers and agricultural businesses supply local food to more than 300 preK-12 sites throughout Oregon. The program also supports educational activities in 800 school gardens statewide.
“Crunch at Once is a great activity that builds excitement about delicious local produce while educating students on how these foods are grown,” said ODA Director Lisa Charpilloz Hanson. “When the food grown in our fields and orchards ends up on our children’s trays at school, it represents more than just a meal—it shares the story of Oregon agriculture, and the way we care for one another and support our local communities”.
Last year’s event saw participation from over 40,000 preK-12 students across the state.
For further information about this initiative or media inquiries, contacts include Melina Barker (Director of the Oregon Farm to School & School Garden Network) at 541-890-7004 and Amy Gilroy (Trade Development Manager at ODA) at 503-709-5360.
