An award distributed by the Maryland State Department of Education will provide Prince George’s County Public Schools students with access to free fruits and vegetables this school year.
The $911,200 award is from federal money and allows 29 elementary schools to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, according to a news release. It’s a program aimed at increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary schools, thus improving children’s overall health and creating healthier school environments. FFVP is credited with expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience and increasing their consumption of fresh produce.
“In many cases, our students are not exposed to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at home,” explained Joan Shorter, Director, Department of Food and Nutrition Services. “The funds we’ve received provide our students with a daily vegetable or fruit snack.”