Two local schools get fresh produce grants

July 18, 2017

Today, 113 Idaho elementary schools were awarded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants, Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra announced. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant. The FFVP provides all children in participating elementary schools with a variety of free, fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. Through the FFVP, schools will prepare and distribute mid-morning or mid-afternoon servings of fresh fruit and vegetables to all students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Section 19 of the National School Lunch Act requires that schools with the highest free-and-reduced-identified enrollment be given priority for participation in the FFVP. This selection criterion ensures that the program benefits children who generally have fewer opportunities to consume fresh fruit and vegetables on a regular basis. The FFVP also encourages schools to develop partnerships at the State and local level for support in implementing and operating the program. Schools are encouraged to find sources for Idaho-grown fruits and vegetables, and feature lessons on where and how they are grown, harvested, and brought to market in Idaho. When locally sourced produce is not available, participating schools must adhere to Buy American guidelines for procurement of the fruits and vegetables served. Schools were awarded the grants through a competitive application process. The grant period is from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. In Boundary County, Naples Elementary will receive $5,709.88 and Valley View Elementary $21,502.07.