The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program was formed by the USDA to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to children at elementary schools. The goal of the program is to expose children to fresh fruits and vegetables in order to increase their acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. So far, the program has introduced students to broccolini, avocados, dragon fruit, nectarines, jicama, starfruit and much more. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program video series, starring Registered Dietitian Mayelin Lora-Williams, was created because we wanted to make nutrition education more fun and interactive for the students. In each episode, Mayelin teaches students about the benefits of the highlight fruit or vegetable and then demonstrates a recipe that students can make at home with their family. New videos premiere every month that highlight a new fruit or vegetable that students receive in the classroom.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a grant provided by the USDA. Currently, 10 schools have been awarded the grant based on their Free and Reduced Eligibility Percentage. Those 10 schools are: McKinley Elementary, Madison STEAM Academy, Nuner Fine Arts Academy, Muessel Elementary, Monroe Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Hay Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Lincoln Elementary and Coquillard Elementary.
If you have any additional questions about the FFVP you can contact Megan Larson or Mayelin Lora-Williams via email by clicking on their name.