The Bowling Green Independent School District has announced that all five elementary schools will participate in the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Funds provided by this grant will be used to purchase fresh fruit and vegetable snacks for students.
BGISD will receive a total of $129,675.00 and will purchase produce from several local partners, including Jackson's Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Need More Acres Farm, Berrylicious Orchard, and the Western Kentucky Aquaponics, KY Hydro Farm, and Silver Mist Farms.
Goals of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program include creating healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices; expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience; increasing children's fruit and vegetable consumption; and making a difference in children's diets to impact their present and future health.
School selection for the program was based on applications from elementary schools that have 50 percent or more of their students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Priority was given to schools with the highest percentage of free and reduced-price eligible students. Each participating school will receive funds based on approximately $50 per student.
Bowling Green Independent Schools operates the National School Lunch Program and offers free breakfast and lunch to all students, preschool through 12th grade, every school day. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant provides snacks to eligible schools outside of the traditional meal schedule.
Source: Bowling Green Independent
