Grants totaling $138,000 will provide fresh fruits and vegetables in Cambria County schools

Rep. Frank Burns    July 17, 2019 | 9:10 AM

EBENSBURG, July 17 – Conemaugh Valley Elementary School is one of several schools in Cambria County to receive a grant designed to encourage healthy eating choices during the school day, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today.

Burns, D-Cambria, said the elementary school will receive a $24,380 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program aims to positively impact students’ present and future health by expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables available in schools. In total, Cambria County schools received $114,265.50 in FFVP funds.

“When children make healthy, nutritious food choices, they are better prepared to learn and succeed in school and their overall health improves,” Burns said. “This program is vital in providing students with better food choices and leading them toward a healthier lifestyle as they head into adulthood.”

Additional Cambria County schools that received funds through the program include:

  • Ferndale Elementary School (Ferndale School District) – $21,332.50
  • Greater Johnstown Elementary School (Greater Johnstown School District) – $65,620.50
  • Greater Johnstown Middle School (Greater Johnstown School District) – $27,312.50

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program began in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now in every state. Fifty percent or more of a schools’ student population must be eligible for free or reduced meals for the school to qualify for these grants.

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