BOZEMAN - Residents across the state are invited to participate in Montana Crunch Time, a celebration of National Farm to School Month, local producers and nutritious foods.

Montana Crunch Time is a statewide event encouraging participants to "crunch" - or bite - into locally grown and raised food. The program is designed to support Montana producers and local food-based initiatives throughout the state, according to Haley Scott of Montana Team Nutrition, which is based at Montana State University. Crunch Time is also intended to help participants learn about healthy food and nutrition choices. All Montanans are encouraged to participate.

This year Montana will compete against Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming for the Mountain Plains Crunch Off Champion's Banner, which is awarded to the state that records the most crunches per capita. Crunches can be registered online throughout October.

"Though participants can register their crunches throughout the month, it is encouraged to crunch on Oct. 8 to create a big crunch heard 'round the region," Scott said.

Groups around Montana, such as schools, early care facilities, education sites and workplaces can organize crunch events, or individuals can crunch on their own throughout the month.

Last year 23,933 Montanans joined the collective crunch, including more than 20,000 participants ages 6-18. The statewide goal is 30,000 crunches this year.

This will be the 11th annual rendition of Montana Crunch Time. It began in 2013 as an event in schools but has expanded to include all Montanans.

The event is hosted by the Montana Farm to School leadership team, Montana Team Nutrition and the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

"National Farm to School month showcases the importance of agriculture in our state," said Elsie Arntzen, superintendent of OPI. "I am Montana proud of the partnership between our farmers and ranchers, our schools, MSU and my office. Montana Crunch Time is a great teaching and learning opportunity for all our students and teachers."

To register your crunch, download the crunch guide and access more resources, visit https://www.montana.edu/mtfarmtoschool/mt-crunch-time.html.