Cambria County schools to receive funds for fresh fruit, vegetables

by: Rebecca Parsons

Posted: Aug 15, 2023 / 04:34 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 15, 2023 / 05:45 PM EDT

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Three Cambria County schools will be receiving funds to help get students to get fresh fruits and vegetables.

State Representative Frank Burns (D – Cambria) announed that grants will be awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. It will also allow the school districts to supplement regular school meals with appetizing healthy options.

“I’ve always supported our students and schools,” Burns said. “Education is the best way to make sure our region can grow and compete in the marketplace, and making sure our students have the nutrition they need to be healthy and strong is a part of that.”

Under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, selected schools are reimbursed for the cost of making free fresh fruits and vegetables available to students during the school day, separate from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school.

The goals are to introduce children to new, wider varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. The program also promotes nutrition education.

For the full list of the recipients from this year’s program, click here.

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