North Fayette and Spring Hill Elementary in Fayette county will have fresh fruits and vegetables thanks to a federal grant by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The schools were given a grant from the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, which is designed for schools with a high number of students on free or reduced-price lunches, according to the . It aims to expand the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables students eat in their meals, while positively impacting their health, according to a press release.
Schools selected for the program are given $50 to $75 dollars per student for the school year, according to the press release. In order for a school to be eligible, they must be an elementary school, participate in the , have a minimum of 50 percent of their students eligible to receive free or reduced-priced meals, and submit an annual application, according to the Georgia Department of Education.聽
Since the program launched, the state has received over $42 million in FFVP funds, according to the Georgia Department of Education. Last school year, the Georgia Dept. of Education awarded over $5 million to 188 schools in 40 districts, according to the press release.
The FFVP snack is required to be served during the school day during a time other than breakfast or lunch periods, according to the Georgia Department of Education.