Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program benefits local schools

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

School districts throughout the Mon Valley have received funding to provide healthy snacks to students. 

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is administered federally by the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

At the state level, the FFVP is administered by the Pennsylvanian Department of Education, which operates the program through agreements with local school food authorities.

The goal is to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption and positively impact students’ present and future health, the PDE said on its website. 

Several districts in the Mon Valley will again benefit from the program this year. 

Nearly 300 elementary schools will receive grants totaling more than $7 million for the 2021-22 academic year to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.

Among local school districts, Brownsville, Charleroi Area, Mc-Keesport and Monessen have received grants. 

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