LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2012) — Nine elementary schools in Fayette County are among the 125 statewide chosen for the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in 2012-2013. The program provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free produce throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way to introduce healthy snack options.
Kentucky received $2.7 million in funding. Participating schools will receive grants to operate the program based on roughly $53 per student enrolled, as reported last October:
Arlington Elementary — $20,379.42
Booker T. Washington Academy (intermediate) — $14,586.82
Breckinridge Elementary — $28,225.76
Cardinal Valley Elementary — $31,964.62
Harrison Elementary — $20,695.38
Mary Todd Elementary — $24,960.84
Northern Elementary — $27,277.88
Russell Cave Elementary — $17,219.82
William Wells Brown Elementary — $19,062.92
Selection was based on submitted applications from elementary schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and 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-eligible students.
The program, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aims to:
• Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices;
• Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience;
• Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption;
• Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health.
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