The New York Apple Association celebrates back to school

The New York Apple Association is kicking off this year’s apple harvest by linking school districts with New York apple growers, shippers and foodservice distributors carrying New York apples. Many retail partners are excited to offer New York apples, making them easily accessible to schools.

“Apple harvest is happening a little earlier, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the NYAA. 

As of mid-August the New York apple harvest was starting in the Hudson Valley and would soon progress to Central and Western Upstate New York and then to Northeast Upstate New York.

Early season varieties such as Ginger Gold, Paula Red, Premier Honeycrisp, Wildfire Gala and Zestar are typically harvested first followed by McIntosh, Gala, and New York-grown SweeTango with other varieties like SnapDragon, Braeburn, Fuji, Rome and RubyFrost following thereafter. 

“Harvest will run through the end of October or the first week of November, depending on the weather,” Haskins said. “New York apple harvest coincides with back to school perfectly, as the school year begins right after Labor Day.”

 NYAA is also looking forward to The Big Apple Crunch, an event scheduled for Oct. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

“The campaign invites apple enthusiasts to take a synchronized bite into a New York apple,” Haskins said. “The event is eagerly anticipated every year, and NYAA is expanding the program to include apple-lovers everywhere to join in on all the fun. Hundreds of thousands of students at schools and college campuses throughout New York have been actively involved in the promotion throughout the years. Whether at a school or college campus, or a work or retail store gathering, the event is open to everyone.”

The Big Apple Crunch began in 2012 as a partnership between the nonprofit group GrowNYC and the NYC Office of Food Policy and has only grown from there. The FarmOn! Foundation has partnered with NYAA for many years, and this year, it is handing over the torch to the NYAA to launch and manage the program. 

“It’s truly an honor for NYAA to host our beloved annual event,” Haskins said. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back once again, and we can’t wait to see the joy on everyone’s faces as they bite into a New York apple. It will be an incredible experience, with thousands coming together to celebrate this wonderful tradition.”

NYAA reports that organizing a school or organization’s NY Big Apple Crunch event is as easy as “host and post”; strike a pose biting into a New York apple and post a photo or video on the NYAA’s Facebook page or ApplesfromNY Instagram page using the hashtag #NYBigAppleCrunch at 2:30 p.m. the day of the event.

The school image that most impresses the judges will win a scholarship award of $1,000 to go toward a Victory Garden, a program hosted by FarmOn! Foundation. The NYAA is a sponsor of the scholarship program through FarmOn! Foundation every year. NYAA will also randomly select 30 winners to receive an Apples from New York T-shirt. 

NYAA is working closely with retailers to invite them to participate in the campaign, as it is all about getting everyone involved. 

Bob for Apples from New York, NYAA’s new official spokesperson — or spokespuppet — will join in on all the festivities, promoting the event by leading the countdown on social media.

“Our goal is to boost the consumption of healthy, nutritious New York apples and ensure our favorite fruit is delivered to apple enthusiasts everywhere,” Haskins said.