Home » Nine Lexington schools to receive additional fresh fruits, vegetables

Nine Lexington schools to receive additional fresh fruits, vegetables

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.