Fresh Veggies Coming to PG Schools Through $991K Grant

An award distributed by the Maryland State Department of Education will provide Prince George’s County Public Schools students with access to free fruits and vegetables this school year.

The $911,200 award is from federal money and allows 29 elementary schools to participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, according to a news release. It’s a program aimed at increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary schools, thus improving children’s overall health and creating healthier school environments. FFVP is credited with expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience and increasing their consumption of fresh produce.

“In many cases, our students are not exposed to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at home,” explained Joan Shorter, Director, Department of Food and Nutrition Services. “The funds we’ve received provide our students with a daily vegetable or fruit snack.”

With roughly $50-$75 to spend per student, PGCPS will purchase produce to serve to students during the day, at times other than breakfast and lunch. Students will sample fruits and vegetables typically unavailable in their communities, such as squash, mangoes, asparagus, star fruit, and jicama.

This year’s participating elementary schools include Langley Park/McCormick, Ridgecrest, Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, William Beanes, Roger Heights, Edward M. Felegy, Chillum, Rosa L. Parks, Adelphi, Glassmanor, Thomas S. Stone, Riverdale, Mt. Rainier, Cool Spring, Lewisdale, William Paca, Glenridge, Woodridge, Templeton, Beacon Heights, Carole Highlands, Dodge Park, Bladensburg, Port Towns, Andrew Jackson, Carrollton, Cesar Chavez, Lamont, and William W. Hall.

This is the seventh year PGCPS will administer the program.