The School District of Palm Beach County had the opportunity for six elementary schools (Belle Glade Elementary, Pahokee Elementary, Gove Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, West Gate Elementary, and Hope-Centennial Elementary) to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) during the 2012-2013 school year. This federally assisted program cultivates healthier school environments by providing a fresh fruit or vegetable snack to all students in participating elementary schools during the school day.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides funding to schools so they can provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to students three to five days per week outside the breakfast and lunch service.

The Goal of FFVP is to:

• default_titleCreate healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
• default_titleExpand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience.
• default_titleIncrease children's fruit and vegetable consumption.
• default_titleMake a difference in children's diets to impact their present and future health.
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The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant awarded a total of $195,000 to the six schools that participated. On August 20, 2012 the program started at the six schools. The children, teachers and staff were excited about the opportunity the grant would provide them during the school year.

During the 2012-2013 school year The Palm Beach County School District served a total of approximately 478,000 nutritious fruit and vegetable snacks. During August 2012 and September 2012 snacks were served every day. During the balance of the school year snacks were served three days a week, with the exception of holidays and early release days.

A menu was prepared each month that included a variety of fresh seasonal produce. In addition, the menu highlighted one fresh fruit or vegetable that was offered at least once a week throughout the month. “Nutrition Tidbits” were created to educate the students on the month’s featured snack.

The teachers and administrators at each school incorporated nutritional education within the school day. Many teachers researched information about the fruits and vegetables provided and integrated valuable information on their daily lessons. The School Food Service (SFS) Department had a wonderful opportunity to coordinate and direct a FFVP marketing event at Hope-Centennial Elementary on March 3, 2013. The FDACS – Food, Nutrition and Wellness Division was gracious enough to provide our department with an opportunity to secure and utilize the Miami Dolphins Mascot (TD) and two of their cheerleaders on this magical morning. We worked with the school's principal, teacher, Wellness Champion and students by capturing program’s testimonials and creating some lasting memories.

Check out the FUN…in our SFS News piece…

The School District of Palm Beach County is looking forward to expanding the FFVP in the 2013-2014 school year to two additional elementary schools.