Forty Seven Hoosier Elementary Schools to Participate in Nutritional Food Program

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - In hopes of creating further awareness for healthy food options, 47 Indiana elementary schools were selected for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). FFVP provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. This program, by teaching children healthy eating habits, is an important catalyst for change in the fight against childhood obesity.

“It is important to teach children at an early age that a well-balanced diet is important,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett. “If we catch bad habits early, we can make a difference in their diets and hopefully have a positive effect on their present and future health.”

The FFVP began as a pilot project authorized by Congress in 2002. The success of this pilot led to legislation in 2004 that expanded funding for FFVP. To be selected for the program, a school must:

• Be an elementary school
• Operate the National School Lunch Program
• Submit an application for participation.
• Have 50 percent or more of its students eligible for free/reduced price meals

For a full list of schools participating in the program this year and for information on the program, go to: http://www.doe.in.gov/food/FFVP.