Your school participates in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program!

 

What is the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program?

 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program make fresh fruits and vegetables available to students throughout the school day.  Schools receive funds to order fresh fruits & vegetables for use outside of the cafeteria.

 

Text Box: Did you know? MyPyramid (MyPyramid.gov) encourages school-age children to eat 2-3 cups of vegetables a day and 1½ -2 cups of fruit a day. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program available in your school provides an excellent opportunity for your students to meet the suggested servings during their school day. Fruits and vegetables served in their most “whole” or “natural” forms are the most nutritious.
 



 

How are fresh fruits and vegetables distributed to the students?

 

We serve the students in their classrooms. USDA encourages schools to develop innovative and varied methods to offer the fruits and vegetables to students. .  If you have ideas on how you would like to see fresh fruits or vegetables offered, share those ideas with your principal.

What can you do?

 

YOU help your child become healthier when you offer fruits and vegetables at home.  Fruits and vegetables are a nutritious option for meals and snacks. 

 

Parents and caregivers serve as role models for children. Enjoy fruits and vegetables with your child.  Be willing to try new kinds of fruits and vegetables.

 

What are easy ways to include fruits and vegetables into the day?

 

There are many ways to include fruits and vegetables into the day. Start the day by adding bananas or strawberries to breakfast cereal.  Include plenty of vegetables on sandwiches.  Encourage your child to choose fruits and vegetables offered as part of the school lunch program.  Use fruits in salads and smoothies.  Offer apples or carrots as an after-school snack.  Have your child help you chop peppers, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes as taco toppings for supper.  Top off the day with a delicious plum or pear.    

 

Visit these websites for more ideas.  Have fun!  Most of all help your child develop healthy eating habits!

For more information about helping kids eat their fruits and vegetables, visit:

 

I     www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

 

I     www.pbhfoundation.org

 

I     www.mypyramid.gov

 

I     www.fns.usda.gov/tn/

 

I     www.doe.state.in.us/food/freshfruit_veg_program.html

 

There are many sites with good information.  Inclusion of these sites does not constitute endorsement.  Additional information can be found by using search words such as “fresh fruits” or “fresh vegetables.”

 
 
 


 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the purpose of the program?

The purpose of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is to provide free, fresh fruits and vegetables to students.  The program currently operates in 375 schools in 14 states and three Indian Tribal Organizations to encourage students to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. 

 

This project has been funded in part with Federal funds from the US Department of Agriculture.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

                                        Parent/Caregiver Fall 2007