Mission, Texas- The Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program proudly announces that seven district campuses have qualified for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the following sites: Alton Elementary, Cantu Elementary, Captain J. Castro Elementary, Leal Elementary, O’Grady Elementary, Pearson Elementary, and Waitz Elementary.
The FFVP is a federally assisted invitation-only program that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to students in participating elementary schools during the school day. The program was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with an objective to introduce new and different fresh fruits and vegetables to children. This helps create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
“It is exciting to see that every year more campuses qualify for this grant that not only funds this initiative but that also provides fresh fruits and vegetables for our students daily,” states Dr. Carol G. Perez, Mission CISD superintendent. “Students that eat healthy snacks develop healthy eating habits.”
These campuses followed specific criteria to qualify for the grant. They had to operate under the National School Lunch Program and meet the requirements to be eligible for the FFVP. Selected elementary schools will receive $50 to $75 per student each school year to implement this initiative.
“The FFVP provides our elementary students the opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables while still snacking on some of their favorites,” states Rosy Woodrum, Child Nutrition Program Director. “The campuses distribute the healthy fruits every day at 2:00 p.m. and the students are really enjoying the delicious snacks.”
For more information on the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program contact the Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program at (956) 323-3800.