Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) turned lunch into a lesson on local agriculture on Monday, celebrating National Farm to School Month with an Apple Crunch Day. Students at Maxey Elementary counted down together before biting into apples grown by nearby farms, a tradition the district has upheld for more than a decade.
Turning the cafeteria into a classroom
“It provides the cafeteria as more of a classroom,” said LPS Director of Nutrition Services Andrew Ashelford. “It’s just a good, exciting way to kind of teach kids in an informal process where food comes from.” The event highlights the district’s commitment to farm‑to‑school initiatives that connect children with the people who grow their meals.
Local produce on the menu
Apples are only the beginning. This school year LPS has purchased over $162,000 worth of locally sourced produce, dairy products, and chicken. Other items regularly appearing on lunch trays include cucumbers, tomatoes, and a variety of peppers, all sourced from Nebraska farms and producers.
Supporting Nebraska farmers
Ashlee Hendricks, a Maxey parent volunteer and Garden Club leader who grew up on a small dairy farm, emphasized the broader impact. “Right now it’s really hard for small farms,” she said. “As a community we can support our small farmers, support what they’re doing.” By buying locally, the district helps keep family farms viable and strengthens the regional economy.
Planning months ahead
Planning for these foods begins well before they reach students. Ashelford explained that LPS starts working with farmers and producers as early as February to determine what can be supplied for the upcoming school year and what students will enjoy. This forward‑looking approach ensures a steady supply of fresh, regional foods.
Students love the change
For the Maxey students, Monday’s Apple Crunch brought excitement to the lunchroom. “To be excited about school lunch and school meals, I think it’s great to just incorporate local produce, local items, and celebrate what school lunch does for students,” Ashelford added.
The farm‑to‑school program not only enriches children’s nutrition but also reinforces the values of family, community, and stewardship that many Lincoln families hold dear. As more districts look to strengthen local food systems, LPS’s Apple Crunch Day serves as a model of how schools can teach, feed, and support their neighborhoods simultaneously.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
