BALTIMORE, MD News (9/10/2024) – The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has announced the distribution of over $4.3 million in federal funding to 193 elementary schools across the state. This funding, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), aims to provide students with access to a variety of fresh produce and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.
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The FFVP, a federally assisted initiative, is designed to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, encouraging them to consume more unprocessed produce during the school day. The program prioritizes schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families, ensuring that children who may have fewer opportunities to eat fresh produce can access these nutritious options.
In addition to offering free fresh fruits and vegetables, the FFVP complements existing school nutrition programs by providing a hands-on approach to nutrition education. Schools participating in the program serve fresh produce outside of the standard meal service times, such as during snack periods, allowing students to see fresh produce as a healthy snack option.
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The primary goals of the FFVP are to introduce children to new and different varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables and to increase their overall consumption of these foods. By providing free produce during the school day, the program fosters healthier school environments and contributes to better dietary habits in young children.
Elementary schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply for the FFVP, with priority given to schools serving a higher percentage of children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Each participating school receives between $50 and $75 per student annually, which is used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from a variety of sources, including local farmers and grocery stores.
The program also encourages schools to use the FFVP as an opportunity to integrate nutrition education into their curriculum. This not only highlights the health benefits of eating fresh produce but also introduces students to a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, many of which they may not have encountered before.
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For the 2024-2025 school year, the FFVP will be implemented in 193 elementary schools across Maryland. This marks a continuation of the program’s success, with 196 schools having participated during the previous school year. By expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the program seeks to shape healthier eating habits that can last a lifetime, particularly among children in underserved communities.
MSDE’s efforts align with broader national goals to combat childhood obesity and improve the nutritional standards of school-based meals. With the help of federal funding, schools can continue to provide students with healthy, fresh produce while integrating valuable lessons about nutrition into their daily routines.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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