The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (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. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to children during the school day. The goal of the FFVP is 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.
This program is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The FFVP introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the federal level. At the state level, the FFVP is administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Handbook: Making the Best Decisions for Introducing Fruits and Vegetables to Students (PDF) is a 42-page manual distributed by USDA and amended by OSPI. It details the administration of the program, who qualifies, and how it all works. Under the FFVP, selected schools receive reimbursement of the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students throughout the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school during the official school day.
The following Schools participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): - Virgie Robinson
- Emerson
- Robert Frost
- Longfellow
- Captain Gray
- Whittier
- Rowena Chess
The FFVP is federally funded. It required that elementary schools with the highest percentage of free and reduced price enrollment receive FFVP funding. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program Featured Item of the Month: Pumpkin Pumpkins are a fun, nutritious way to welcome fall! Pumpkins are members of the squash family, and are in season from early September to late November. They can come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Pureed pumpkin is a great addition to many fall recipes, including pies, breads, soups, and more! Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. This nutrient is important for healthy vision. Pumpkins are also a good source of potassium, which is helpful for muscle function in active kids! It is the season to find pumpkins outside the grocery store, but families can also have fun picking at some Pasco pumpkin patches:
Job’s Nursery
4072 Columbia River Rd
Pasco, WA 99301 Country Mercantile
232 Crestloch Rd
Pasco, WA 99301  Enjoy this beautiful season! |
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