CVUSD receives grants to provide healthy snacks for students
Hundreds of elementary schools across California are receiving federal money to promote healthier snacks for their students, and 11 of those schools are within the Coachella Valley Unified School District.
According to the CVUSD release, last week State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that 371 elementary schools will share $12.2 million in federal grants to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to students in low-income areas.
It’s called the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
“Nearly three out of every five students in California are at greater risk of not having access to enough nutritious foods outside of school, which could hurt their ability to concentrate and learn,” Torlakson said. “This program takes a bit out of this kind of food insecurity, providing students with the healthy food they need to succeed in careers and college.”
California’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program aims to:
Provide fruits and vegetables three times per week during the school year for all selected sites (outside of school breakfast and lunch programs)
Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience
Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health
Officials said CVUSD will be receiving nearly $45,000 through the program to continue offering healthy foods to students in the district.
The following CVUSD schools were selected for the FFVP:
Cesar Chavez Elementary $5,395 John Kelley Elementary $3,400 Las Palmitas Elementary $3,695 Mecca Elementary $4,425 Oasis Elementary $3,810 Palm View Elementary $3,165 Peter Pendleton Elementary $3,280 Saul Martinez Elementary $6,060 Valle Del Sol Elementary $4,550 Valley View Elementary $4,115 Westside Elementary $3,045
According to a release from CVUSD Public Information Officer Francinni Zabata, schools plan to serve fresh fruits and vegetables by placing them at kiosks during morning or afternoon recess time, in classrooms, or in hallways for students to help themselves when they’re hungry.
Teachers will also have the option of serving FFV during announcements, break time or during nutrition education. Schools will deliver fruits and vegetables to sports practices, ensure they are available during testing days and set up booths at special events, according to the release.
Zabata said the program will also allow schools to partner with local vendors and farmers markets to educate and promote healthier eating among students.
“We know how much our students need this additional healthy snack. Many of our children do not have adequate food available and healthy fruits and vegetables are expensive,” said CVUSD Assistant Director of Nutrition Services Alex Pantoja. “This program assists the parents and communities by affording that additional healthy snack. Hungry kids do not learn as easily as well-nourished kids. Nutrition Services strives to make certain that all students are healthy and ready to learn.”
