Free snack of fruit, vegetables served to NC elementary students at 230 schools
Children at more than 230 North Carolina elementary schools will have an extra opportunity to try a healthy snack during their school day.
According to the N.C. Department of Instruction, 232 schools have been selected for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which begins this year.
At participating schools, cafeteria staff will prepare a daily fresh fruit or vegetable snack for children to enjoy in the classroom. The purpose is to get children used to choosing healthy snacks instead of processed or sugary alternatives.
On the list are 13 Durham County elementary schools, five Wake County schools, nine Johnston County schools and 16 Cumberland County schools, among dozens of others.
This is the 19th year N.C. has participated in the federally-funded program, but more schools were selected this year than ever before.
Schools selected for the program generally have a high proportion of families struggling economically who are less likely to serve fresh fruits and vegetables at home.
The healthy snacks will be served separate from school breakfasts and lunches. Students will receive the snack either mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Schools offer healthy produce choices at breakfast and lunch, but Dr. Lynn Harvey, senior director for the Offices of School Nutrition at NCDPI, explained “Often, students are unfamiliar with these fruits and vegetables and do not choose them as part of their meal."
