The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is helping schools to offer healthy snacks to children. Moreover, the program has the children encouraging their peers to “try it” and take the healthy eating practices they learned in school, home to their families.
For the 2016-17 school year, 190 public and private schools will share about $3.4 million in federal grant funding to provide more than 67,100 elementary students with snacks during the school day. The Department of Public Instruction evaluated 251 applications for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants made last spring, notifying 168 public schools and 22 private schools this summer that they were accepted for the program.
“To have kids telling their friends a particular fruit is ‘fabulous’ is just remarkable,” State Superintendent Tony Evers said. “We want children to be excited about good nutrition. Over the 10 years that Wisconsin has been a part of this program, its benefits extend way beyond encouraging kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. It supports healthy habits throughout the school and into the community.”
A survey of student preferences found carrots, cucumbers and snap peas were the top three vegetables in the 2015-16 school year. Grapes, oranges, and strawberries topped the fruit list. In addition to these familiar favorites, students had a change to try less familiar fruits and vegetables such as kohlrabi, kumquats, jicama, mangos, and pomegranates. One survey comment noted that “by encouraging students to try different fruits and vegetables, they learn not to eat with their eyes.” Another commended the program because students recognized what health snacks are and are now aware of how healthy foods affect how their bodies feel.
The program’s impact extends beyond snack time and has inspired school gardens in several locations. Other schools reported healthier food choices for schoolwide and parent events, moving away from processed snacks and cookies. Still other schools are branching out to offer running or other fitness clubs for students, families, and school staff.
