press release:
Seattle Public Schools has been awarded $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand a program that provides a fresh fruit or vegetable snack to every student nearly every day. The money will go to 14 elementary schools where 70 percent or more of students receive a free or reduced-price lunch.

The goal of the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is to create healthier school environments by providing more healthy food choices.

“We are delighted to receive funding for this program,” said SPS Nutrition Services Manager Eric Boutin. “It not only expands the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience but also assists in combating childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits.”

Five schools participated in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during this school year -- Bailey Gatzert, Concord, Emerson, Northgate and Van Asselt – and they will be joined by nine additional schools in 2011-12. Those schools are Dearborn Park, Dunlap, Hawthorne, Highland Park, Madrona, Martin Luther King Jr., Roxhill, West Seattle and Wing Luke.

According to Boutin, SPS through its Farm to School Program is committed to serving local and organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible in all meals it serves to students. Local farmers are encouraged to contact the District directly for more information via nutritionservices@seattleschools.org