Ciresi celebrates nearly $93K investment in Pottstown School District children’s healthy diets

Southeast Delegation    August 9, 2024 | 4:40 PM

ROYERSFORD, Aug. 9 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced that $92,994 in state funding has been awarded to five Pottstown School District Pre-K and elementary schools to provide fruits and vegetables to students under the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Schools receiving the grants are:

  • Barth Elementary School             $20,196
  • Franklin Elementary School         $22,308
  • Lincoln Elementary School           $20,856
  • Pre-K Counts Annex Building       $6,666
  • Rupert Elementary School           $22,968

Through the program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 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.

“This funding will help Pottstown schools provide healthy snack alternatives to our students during the day, helping to make healthy eating a habit,” Ciresi said. “This funding will also help give Pottstown’s school children the tools to make healthy choices for themselves. Students will learn that fruits and vegetables are not only the smart choice, but also the tastiest.”

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.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit its website or follow PDE on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest.