Three County Schools Selected For Federal Fresh Fruit And Vegetable Program
Three county schools have been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) during the 2009-2010 school year. Belle Grove Elementary School, Eastport Elementary School, and the Ferndale Early Education Center may spend up to $9,450, $10,900, and $6,850, of USDA funds, respectively, to increase the fresh fruit and vegetable consumption of students.
First launched in 2005, the FFVP’s goal is to “create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices for students.” Through the expansion of and exposure to the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience, the program seeks to positively impact the eating habits of young people.
Schools that participate are given a creative license to implement programs designed to reach the FFVP’s goal. In previous years, schools have delivered healthy fruit- and veggie-laden snacks outside of the cafeteria by setting up kiosks in hallways between classes or by traveling from classroom to classroom with carts.
“This program will allow us to spend between $30 and $50 per child to introduce additional healthy options throughout their school day all school year long,” said Jodi Risse, supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the delicious benefits that this program offers and combine them with the many efforts we make to provide healthy solutions in all of our schools.”
Sixty-nine Maryland schools were chosen to participate in the program this year.
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This is a great program. With an epidemic of obesity and only 15 minutes of recess a day, the least we can do is get healthy foods to children at lunchtime. And so great for our local farmers! A local, reliable outlet for their produce. I hope this program garners a lot of attention and can be worked into the meal planning for ALL of our schools.