During the coming school year, students at many Salt Lake City School District elementary schools will benefit from a federal grant designed to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among students.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant for the 2017-2018 school year has been awarded to 16 elementary schools from the Salt Lake City School District, for a total amount of $316,741.63.
This is the eighth year in a row that 15 or more Salt Lake City schools have been awarded grant funding to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
The FFVP is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students in participating elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP is to improve children’s overall diet and create healthier eating habits to impact their present and future health.
“This program is more than just eating fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Kelly Orton, Child Nutrition Director. “In an urban environment like Salt Lake City the program also introduces children to fruits and vegetables they may not be familiar with. It expands their knowledge and can be a learning experience as well.”
Elementary schools participating in the program receive $42 per student for the school year. With these funds, schools purchase additional fresh fruits and vegetables to serve free to students during the school day.
More information about the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program can be found athttps://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/FFVPFactSheet.pdf.
