Seven elementary schools in the Kent School District (KSD) recently were awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
Selections were based on those schools where free and reduced price lunch enrollment exceeds 50 percent. Schools apply to this program annually, and the cost of food, supplies, and labor associated with the program are covered by the award. The national program has been successful in introducing school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample.
The FFVP supports the recommendations of a recent report by the Institute of Medicine to provide healthier snack choices in schools, including fruits and vegetables.
KSD schools participating for the 2013-14 school year in the FFVP program are Daniel, Kent, East Hill, Scenic Hill, Meadow Ridge, Park Orchard, and Springbrook elementary schools. Fresh fruit or vegetable snacks are served to all students in participating schools four to five days per week.
This past school year, approximately 4,400 elementary students were served fresh snacks in their classrooms. Students experienced a variety of apples, plums, pears, peaches, nectarines, green beans, kiwi berries, jicama, yams, sweet potatoes, squash and carrots.
As part of their “Farm to School” program, KSD Nutrition Services works directly with local vendors and farmers throughout the school year to purchase and feature seasonal local produce from Washington State. Nutrition education is also provided to students in participating schools through a partnership with the WSU Extension Food $ense Program.
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