Smith-Wade-El: Over $31,000 in state funding to provide fresh fruit and vegetables at Carter & Macrae Elementary

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    August 12, 2024 | 2:35 PM

LANCASTER, Aug. 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, announced that $31,020 in state funding has been awarded to Carter & Macrae Elementary School to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Through the program, Carter & Macrae Elementary School 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.

“For low-income, historically marginalized communities in our area and throughout Pennsylvania, there is a striking lack of access to affordable, healthy fresh food,” Smith-Wade-El said. “As I strive to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can put nutritious food on their tables, I am very glad that thanks to this grant, students at Carter & Macrae will be able to snack on delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables that will provide them with the critical nutrients they need to learn and grow.”

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 is available at the PDE website or by following PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.