Lexington County School District Three has been awarded a $50,550 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant for the 2022-2023 school year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Picture a child tasting a sweet peach grown on the ridge or a locally-grown strawberry or even a star fruit, perhaps for the first time. Thanks to the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, B-L Primary and B-L Elementary School students will now have this opportunity.
Beginning on December 7th, fresh produce will be available to students in a variety of locations on the campuses of B-L Primary and B-L Elementary Schools during the academic day. Principals, teachers and school nutrition personnel in these participating schools will help to promote fresh fruit and vegetables to students and encourage them to sample new produce. Storybooks, activity guides and fact sheets on fruits and vegetables grown in South Carolina and served through Child Nutrition Programs will also be shared with FFVP schools to assist in providing nutrition education to students.
The primary goal of the USDA FFVP is to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices with the mission of making a difference in children’s diets to support their present and future health. The fruits and vegetables purchased with FFVP funds must be in addition to those foods served as part of the school’s breakfast and lunch programs.
“Safety, academic success, and the overall health and well-being of our students are the top priorities in Lexington Three," said Todd A. Bedenbaugh, Lexington Three’s Director of Child Nutrition and School Security. "The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant will assist us in meeting some of these goals by allowing us to reach students in critical need and provide them with the key nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. Ultimately, we want to help our students be successful and have focus in the classroom."