Shenandoah, Mahanoy, McAdoo elem. schools awarded grants to provide fresh fruits and vegetables outside lunch, breakfast
SHENANDOAH – Three of our local elementary schools are among 252 statewide receiving grants to provide fruits and vegetables to students throughout the school day.
The state Department of Education announced the grant award last week, dispersing $7.5 Million in federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grants.
Among the recipients were the Shenandoah Valley, Mahanoy Area, and Hazleton Area school districts, for Shenandoah, Mahanoy Area, and McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary respectively in our area.
Hazleton also received grants for Arthur Street, Maple Manor, West Hazleton, and the Hazle Township Early Learning Center.
“In order to learn, grow, and achieve, children need access to healthy food options,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin in a media release. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will help learners across the Commonwealth access nutritious foods and create healthy habits—at no cost to their families—that will benefit them both in the classroom and at home.”
Under the program, PDE says, selected schools receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school during the school day.
The goal of the program, PDE says, is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners.
To be eligible, schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program. FFVP prioritizes schools with the highest percentage of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals in order to give children from low-income families more opportunities to consume fresh produce on a regular basis.
The local grants awarded are as follows:
- Shenandoah Valley Elementary: $49,536
- Mahanoy Area Elementary: $42,912
- McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary: $47,448.
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