Students at 121 schools across Idaho – including 11 area schools – will receive free, fresh fruit and vegetables during the coming school year thanks to $103,000 in state-administrated grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides children in participating elementary schools with a variety of fruits and vegetables during the school day. Under the National School Lunch Act, schools with the highest enrollment of students identified for free and reduced-cost meals are given priority for participation.
The grant period runs from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, and all grants are contingent upon USDA funds availability.
Idaho schools are reimbursed for providing the fresh fruits and vegetables to all students within the school day, at a different time than the school meal programs operate.
McGee and Whitman Elementary Schools in Lewiston received more than $16,000 apiece, while other schools receiving funds are in Culdesac, Kamiah, Lapwai, Orofino, and Riggins. (Idaho State Department of Education)
