An appropriation request of $239,100 will determine if Henry County’s elementary schools will participate in the national Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Henry County supervisors will decide on the appropriation request during their meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Henry County Administrative Building.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a nationwide initiative to provide elementary school students with fresh fruits and vegetables free of cost. It is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Virginia Department of Education.
In Henry County, the program will impact a little over 3,000 students, according to Henry County Schools Director of Nutrition Marci Lexa. The program would provide a fruit or vegetable snack to students every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
“The goal of the program is to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience, thereby increasing their overall consumption of these healthy foods,” Lexa wrote in an email. “Some of the snacks may be familiar, such as fresh grapes, blueberries, melons, and fresh strawberries, baby carrots, and grape tomatoes. Others may be items they have not tried before, but we will offer them each year when they are in season.”
These may include kiwi, mango, papaya, radishes and asparagus.
“Schools that prioritize healthy snack options and provide nutrition education can lay a foundation for a lifetime of optimal health and well-being,” Lexa wrote. “The provision of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program creates a healthier school environment by promoting nutritious food choices.”
The proposed allocation, which comes from the USDA via a reimbursement to the county, would cover the costs of the program. If approved, it would be part of Henry County’s School Nutrition Program.
The program offers students of all ages free breakfast and lunch. It also provides a summer meal program in which participating students can get free meals if they attend summer school or can pick up meals at the Kids Cafe bus or one of seven sites.
