Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today (Thursday) thanked the 40 schools in 17 communities across the state that participated in the Iowa Farm to School’s “A is For Apple” initiative this fall. The schools received funds to buy locally grown apples and classroom supplies to teach students about the value of eating well and supporting local farmers. The “A is for Apple” initiative provided grants to 40 classrooms to support the purchase of fresh, locally grown apples from an orchard in their area while they are in season. A portion of the funds could also be used to purchase frozen apples that can be eaten anytime during the year.

Schools also received classroom supplies such as books, cookbooks or apple corers. The Guthrie Center School District was among the schools that participated in the initiative.