Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program Is A Win For The Industry

By Growing Produce Staff|April 29, 2009

United Fresh Produce Association Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, along with representatives from the Nevada Department of Education visited students and faculty at two Nevada schools last week to check on the progress of the Federal Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program in the state.

Recently expanded nationwide via a $72 million grant, the program provides schools in each state with funding in order to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for student snacks.

“This federal funding has been a real win for our industry,” said DiSogra. “More importantly though, this funding helps kids develop better eating habits both at school and at home in communities across the country.”

“With the economy in its current state,” continued DiSogra, “there are kids in every part of the country that aren’t getting healthy things to eat at home, simply because junk food is a cheaper alternative. This added funding ensures that more kids will receive a piece of fruit or vegetable every day, free of charge.”