FRANKLIN COUNTY – Two elementary schools in Chambersburg have been selected for a federal grant program that provides students with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.
According to PA Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), Andrew Buchanan Elementary and Thaddeus Stevens Elementary received funding awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
“Agriculture is a fundamental industry in the 33rd Senate District, so it is exciting that Chambersburg area students have the opportunity to experience the fruits and vegetables that are such a hallmark of this community,” said Mastriano. “The program’s goal is to positively impact the present and future health of students. I view it as a win-win situation, both for education and nutrition.”
The grants were awarded to more than 220 elementary schools across Pennsylvania, totaling about $5.5 million. Overall, the program aims to provide healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables that students experience, and boost fruit and vegetable consumption.
The program was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008.
Funding priority is given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Grantees are required to spend a majority of their grant on the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables and must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs.
Schools are also required to provide nutrition education to students, but cannot use Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program funding to purchase nutrition education materials.
CONTACT: Scot Andrew Pitzer; 717.787.4651; spitzer@pasen.gov.