A record-setting 232 elementary schools across across North Carolina, including nine in the Alamance-Burlington School System, have been selected and approved by the State Board of Education to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the 2022-23 school year. This is North Carolina’s largest number of schools ever to participate in a given school year.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children during the school day at eligible elementary schools. The goal of the 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 among children.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has been awarded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) FFVP grant for the 2022-23 school year. This is the 19th year that the great state of North Carolina has had the opportunity to participate in the FFVP. North Carolina was among the first states to be awarded the FFVP in the 2004-05 school year.
The nine ABSS schools include:
Grove Park Elementary
Pleasant Grove Elementary
Haw River Elementary
Eastlawn Elementary
Harvey R. Newlin Elementary
North Graham Elementary
R. Homer Andrews Elementary
Hillcrest Elementary
South Graham Elementary
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt said the expansion of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant this year will benefit more students across North Carolina.
“The health and academic success of our students are among our top priorities,” Truitt said. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant provides students in critical need with key nutrients from fruits and vegetables to nourish their bodies and minds and allow them to focus in class.”