North Fayette and Spring Hill Elementary in Fayette county will have fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to a federal grant by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The schools were given a grant from the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, which is designed for schools with a high number of students on free or reduced-price lunches, according to the Georgia Department of Education. It aims to expand the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables students eat in their meals, while positively impacting their health, according to a press release.
Schools selected for the program are given $50 to $75 dollars per student for the school year, according to the press release. In order for a school to be eligible, they must be an elementary school, participate in the National School Lunch Program, have a minimum of 50 percent of their students eligible to receive free or reduced-priced meals, and submit an annual application, according to the Georgia Department of Education.
Since the program launched, the state has received over $42 million in FFVP funds, according to the Georgia Department of Education. Last school year, the Georgia Dept. of Education awarded over $5 million to 188 schools in 40 districts, according to the press release.
The FFVP snack is required to be served during the school day during a time other than breakfast or lunch periods, according to the Georgia Department of Education.