At the beginning of the month, Secretary Ed Schafer announced that there will be $49 million will be given to elementary schools for fresh fruits and vegetables. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will reach schools in all 50 states and also in the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Schafer stated that "Fresh produce for children at school gives them an early start on healthy eating habits that can stay with them after school, and throughout their lives." He also mentions with the increasing prevalence of obesity, this is a way to educate and help our children learn the importance of a healthy life.
Pennsylvania's total allocation is $1,322,607 which will go to the neediest schools where there is high proportion of free or reduced breakfasts or lunches. The children in the participating schools will receive these foods at no cost and will hopefully begin to add healthier choices into their daily routines.
To read more, go to http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/08/0208.xml
Posted by: Amy Soergel, our Just Harvest Food Stamp Barrier Research Intern
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1 comment:
Hooray! The blog marches on!
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