What is
Indiana Food Day?
The Indiana Department of Education, along with community groups and organizations across the state, promotes Indiana Food Day annually to celebrate local food and healthy eating. Held every year in October to coincide with National Farm to School Month, Indiana Food Day showcases local food items. This offers students a chance to explore the culinary diversity of our state.
Connecting the Dots!
Food Day is a wonderful way to connect nutrition and learning — from science to math, reading to health and wellness. Make sure to view our toolkit of resources to make learning (and eating) fun! It’s also an ideal project to introduce more local foods into your cafeteria’s menu and to expand your institution’s food purchasing power from area farmers.
You can do it!
Not only does Indiana Food Day encourage healthy eating, but these initiatives actively contribute to the growth of local farming communities. Food Day is a fun way to connect food and nutrition to all classroom curricula — from science to art.
This year, the Indiana Department of Education is celebrating local pumpkins!
food day 2024
Pumpkins are not just a fall flavor in your favorite coffee or dessert — they are one of the more popular vegetables grown in Indiana gardens and fields.
TALK ABOUT VITAMIN PACKED!
Nutrient-dense from its bright orange
color, which comes from the antioxidant beta-carotene, pure pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A. Just one-third cup provides almost an entire day’s recommended intake!
Vitamin A is important for vision, fighting infections, maintaining healthy skin and bones, and regulating cell growth and division. Pumpkin pulp is also low in calories, a good source of important fiber, and rich in potassium that helps regulate blood pressure and balance the body’s minerals. Pumpkin seeds are the second nutrition treat this vegetable gives us. Packed with protein, fiber, and several necessary minerals, they contain healthy fats and make a super-easy dried or toasted snack on their own, or as an add-in for yogurt, trail mix, cookies, and more.
Learn how pumpkins are so much more than
fall home decor!
did you know...
In 2023, the state of Indiana was the nation’s third-largest pumpkin producer, behind perennial champion Illinois at #1 and California at #2.
Small pumpkins (4-6 pounds) are best for cooking and making pies, as are medium (8-15 pounds), which are also ideal for carving and displaying as jack-o’-lanterns, while jumbo pumpkins (50 pounds and up) are typically designated for showing at fairs and exhibits.
Pumpkin sizes may shock you. The world’s largest on record as of October 2023, from Minnesota, weighed in at a staggering 2,749 pounds — that’s about as much as a small sports car! Indiana’s largest recorded pumpkin was grown by Steve Strickler of Bloomington the same year, tipping the scales at 2,054 pounds.
As much as we love Indiana pumpkins, chances are if you have pumpkin pie, its chief ingredient originated in our neighbor to the west — 3/4 of Illinois’s production goes directly into processed (canned) pumpkin, far outpacing all other states.
How Can I
Get Involved?
After you register to participate in Indiana Food Day, you will receive a link via email to download the toolkit that includes activities, resources, recipes, coloring pages, and other materials to create a day or month of pumpkin-packed curriculum and treats. The best part is that all resources are FREE. Just register to receive the link!
Participating in Indiana Food Day? Register Today!
This year, we are celebrating pumpkins. Once you have registered, IDOE will send you resources for your school to get everyone excited about Indiana Food Day!
Celebrate any way that fits your school or center, from interactive tastings to farm field trips, or classroom activities to adding local food to cafeteria menus.
Want more ways to participate in farm to school?
Check out the Indiana Great Apple Crunch.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. © 2024 Indiana Department of Education. All Rights Reserved.