fruit

Ross Elementary participates in

the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Ross Elementary is pleased to be part of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.  This program makes fresh fruits and vegetables available to students throughout the school day. 

Students are offered fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day in the classroom, hallways and/or other school locations.  This program does not work in the school cafeteria which is already providing fruits and vegetables with meals. The first distribution of fruit was on Meet Your Teacher Day on August 20, 2008 when guests received apple slices.

The purpose of the program is to provide free, fresh fruit and vegetables to students.  The program is currently operating in 375 schools in 14 states.  Ross is thrilled to be one of these schools.  The goal of the program is to encourage students to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and make healthier snack choices.

Did you know:

• The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides students with an excellent opportunity to meet the suggested daily servings of fruit and vegetables.
• Fruits and vegetables served in their most "whole" or "natural" forms are the most nutritious.
• MyPyramid (MyPyramid.gov) encourages school aged students to eat 2-3 cups of vegetables a day and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit each day.

Other websites about helping children eat healthy include:

www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
www.pbhfoundation.org
www.fns.usda.gov/tn/
doe.sd.gov/oess/cans/nutrition