ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – The South Dakota Crunch Off is underway, and the Aberdeen Public School District Food Service Department is encouraging participation as a way to promote local produce.

The department serves locally grown fruits and vegetables to students every day in Aberdeen school lunchrooms.

Jason Albert, Food Service Director, said the department is proudly getting behind the statewide Crunch Off.

“We currently are purchasing fresh produce from two local farmers in our region, one of which is a substitute teacher in our Huron district as well,” Albert said. “The goal is to get as many of our children involved in understanding where produce comes from, how local produce can impact our region, as well as showing how many options there truly are for healthy snacks.”

The South Dakota Crunch Off is a four-week event that celebrates local produce and farm-to-school. To participate, people may register their “crunch off” event online. More information can be found on the Crunch Off website.

To learn more about food service at Aberdeen Public Schools, visit the Food Service Department webpage.