[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1627]]


                        SUPPORT THE APPLE CRUNCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to support House Resolution 1143. 
This resolution is intended to help increase awareness of our nation's 
domestic apple supply and promote healthy food choices for students and 
communities.
  The United States is the second largest producer of apples in the 
world, after China. I am fortunate to have a very large apple industry 
in my District, with many growers and processors. Growers in the states 
of Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California are the 
largest domestic producers.
  To promote domestic apple production, the U.S. Apple Association 
recognizes October as National Apple Month, which focuses on educating 
consumers about the positive health outcomes associated with apple 
consumption. The Apple Crunch was created to encourage children to 
participate in National Apple Month activities.
  The Apple Crunch was started in my home state of Pennsylvania and 
incentivizes schools to serve apples on their school lunch menus, as 
snacks in the classroom, and for use in classroom activities. Schools 
that create the most original activities integrating apples into the 
class day win monetary prizes to be put toward the school's food 
service operation.
  Communities are also encouraged to participate in the Apple Crunch to 
support their local participating schools. Many local businesses 
voluntarily serve apples and apple products to their employees and to 
customers.
  Madam Speaker, this October will mark the second year in which the 
Apple Crunch has been celebrated nationally. I think that we can all 
agree that supporting our nation's domestic agriculture production is 
not only important to our economy, but also the health of our citizens. 
I urge your support of this resolution, which promotes the goals and 
ideals of National Apple Week, and specifically the Apple Crunch.

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