Kim announces $95,400 in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetable to area schools

Central PA Delegation    August 17, 2023 | 12:37 PM

HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, announced that $95,472 in state funding has been awarded to three area schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

  • Benjamin Franklin School                             $56,520
  • Downey School                                             $27,792
  • Premier Arts and Science Charter School    $11,160

Through the program, the schools will receive reimbursement for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal in one or more areas of the school during the school day.

“To help our students make smart choices in what they eat, we need to make sure that healthy choices are available,” Kim said. “According to the CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s and, most recently, kids gained weight even faster during the pandemic. This FFVP funding will help area schools play a fundamental role in preventing obesity by teaching students to make smart health choices by offering tasty, fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks. Thanks to this federal funding, our schools will be teaching kids how to live healthy lives.”

The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the program promotes nutrition education, resulting in healthier school environments for learners.

To be eligible, schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program. FFVP prioritizes schools with the highest percentage of children eligible for free and reduced-price meals in order to give children from low-income families more opportunities to consume fresh produce on a regular basis.

More information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education can be found on the department's website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.