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The USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, commonly known as FFVP, has concluded a successful year of providing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to elementary school students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). The program also included educational components led by chefs and certified nutritionists aimed at teaching students about the origins of their food and the possibility of growing their own healthy snacks at home.
On the final day of the program at Sherman Elementary, students had the opportunity to enjoy juicy watermelon chunks, a favorite among the children. As the program wraps up for the academic year, plans are already in place for its return in the fall with enhanced learning opportunities and a wider variety of healthy foods for students to sample.
Ms. Rodriguez, a second-grade teacher at Sherman Elementary, emphasized the significance of the program beyond just providing snacks, stating, "The students get so excited every Thursday. It’s not just about providing them with a snack; it’s about teaching them the value of making healthy choices and enjoying fresh, seasonal produce."
The FFVP not only introduces children to a range of fresh, local produce but also plays a crucial role in shaping their relationship with food as they mature. By exposing them to nutritious options early on, the program lays the groundwork for lifelong healthy eating habits, influencing their tastes and preferences. At Sherman Elementary, the FFVP has been pivotal in fostering a love for nutritious foods among the students.
Emily, a kindergartener at Sherman Elementary, expressed her joy for the watermelon snack, sharing, “I love eating watermelon because it’s so sweet and yummy.”
Apart from the nutritional aspect, the FFVP instills in children an appreciation for the environment and their community, as well as the independence gained from growing and preparing their own meals. Emphasizing locally grown produce, the program also supports local farmers and cultivates a sense of connection to the land.
HISD, being the eighth-largest school district in the nation, hosts the largest FFVP program in the country, reaching 40,000 students across 88 schools with fresh fruits and vegetables, offering them exposure to produce they may not encounter otherwise.
For more information about HISD’s FFVP, interested individuals can visit the Nutrition Services webpage or explore the FFVP tag on the HISD news blog.