$316k program boosts fruit & veg consumption in Salt Lake City, US
The grant is designed to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among students.
This is the eighth year in a row that 15 or more Salt Lake schools have been awarded funding to participate in the program, which provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to students in participating elementary schools during the school day.
“This program is more than just eating fresh fruit and vegetables,” Kelly Orton, the district’s director of child nutrition, said in a statement. “In an urban environment like Salt Lake City, the program also introduces children to fruits and vegetables they may not be familiar with. It expands their knowledge and can be a learning experience as well.”
Elementary schools participating in the program receive $42 per student for the school year. With these funds, schools purchase additional fresh fruits and vegetables to serve free to students during the school day.
The 16 elementary schools include Backman, Edison, Escalante, Franklin, Liberty Bennion, Meadowlark, Mountain View, Newman, Nibley Park, NorthStar, Parkview, Riley, Rose Park, Washington and Whittier.
More information about the program can be found at fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/FFVPFactSheet.pdf
