Knox County’s elementary students will enjoy a cornucopia of fresh produce this school year as part of a federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) implemented through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FFVP provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options.
According to Angela Ledford, school food service coordinator, the program includes a variety of fruits and vegetables in an effort to expand students awareness of healthy food choices.
The goals of the program include to: create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices; expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience; increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health.
An average of $50 per student will be awarded to KCPS to support the program this year. A total of 135 schools state-wide will be participating.