STATE SCHOOLS CHIEF JACK O’CONNELL ANNOUNCES FEDERAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN THE CLASSROOM

FROM THE DEPT OF EDUCATION

November 07, 2008

CONTACT: Tina Jung
PHONE: 916-319-0818
E-MAIL: tjung@cde.ca.gov


            SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today invited California schools to apply for $2.1 million in federal funding for the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) grant.

            “We know that hungry children don’t learn as well as well-nourished children,” said O’Connell. “In light of the current economic downturn, higher food prices, and continued concern regarding childhood obesity, I am heartened to announce that additional federal funding is available to help schools find innovative ways to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to students for free at school, even right in their classrooms." 

                In July, O’Connell announced 25 grantees were awarded $184,100 in FFVP grants. Obtaining funding for this program has been a priority for both the State Superintendent and the Schwarzenegger Administration. The additional $2 million in funding resulted from the enactment of the federal 2008 Farm Bill in May that made FFVP a permanent program in all 50 states. California received about $2.5 million in October 2008, to fund both existing and new FFVP grantees at a level of $50-$75 per student during the 2008-09 school year. California’s funding will increase again in July 2009, 2010, and 2011 to further expand the number of participating schools.

            Eligible applicants for this round of funding include elementary schools with high proportions of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The purpose of FFVP is to provide all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruit or vegetable snacks throughout the school day as a supplement to, and not part of, the school breakfast and school lunch programs, and to teach children about good nutrition. The FFVP is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as a healthy snack option.

“This program is an important catalyst for change in combating childhood obesity by providing children healthy food choices and helping children learn lifelong nutritious eating habits,” added O’Connell.

            Elementary schools may apply for FFVP funding through the California Department of Education Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=1502.