USDA Readies Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Purchases for Elementary ...

Tag : vegetable

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2008- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer todayannounced that $49 million will be provided in fresh fruits andvegetables for elementary school children during the school day.The 2008 farm bill amended the Richard B. Russell National SchoolLunch Act by adding section 19, the Fresh Fruit and VegetableProgram. This new section replaces a previous program in a limitednumber of states, and expands fresh fruits and vegetables toselected schools in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam,Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
"Fresh produce for children at school gives them an early start onhealthy eating habits that can stay with them after school, andthroughout their lives," said Schafer. "This program will helpeducate students about the importance of good nutrition, includingeating fresh fruit and vegetables. We know that far too many youngpeople are struggling with being overweight and even obese. Now,more than ever, children need our help in building good eatinghabits so they can have a long and healthy life."
All students in participating schools receive fresh fruits andvegetables at no cost where a high proportion of children areeligible to receive free- or reduced-price school meals. Inaddition to more choice, their routines may grow to add fruits andvegetables into their daily meal choices outside of school.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is targeted to students inthe neediest elementary schools in each state. Schools may applyfor funding to operate this program on an annual basis. The FarmBill makes available $40 million during the upcoming school years:2008-2009, $65 million for 2009-2010, $101 million for 2010-2011,and $150 million for 2011-2012. Subsequent yearly funding isindexed for inflation. State funding levels are allocated through aformula and will be available October 1, 2008. Schools areencouraged to implement the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program inpartnership with non-federal organizations. In addition to themoney made available by the Farm Bill, approximately $9 million wasmade available in the 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L.110-161) for distribution to States in support of school year2008-2009 activity.
Total Allocation per State for School Yr 08-09
(Includes $40 million in farm bill funding and funds from previousappropriations)