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Federal Program to Receive More Funding to Increase Schools' Access to Fresh Produce
The federal government has pledged its support for two measures seeking to improve the nutritional content of foods sold in schools, the Packer reports. Funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which aims to provide schoolchildren with free healthy snacks daily, is set to increase from $49 million during the 2008-2009 school year to $150 million in the 2011-2012 school year. The funding will be awarded to a pre-determined number of schools in each state. Produce availability in schools is expected to be further bolstered by the 2009 Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, which will update nutrition standards for foods sold under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Changes suggested as part of the reauthorization include implementing a national school salad bar policy that would encourage and train schools to offer salad bars to increase produce consumption. The measure also would seek to increase federal reimbursement for foods served under the program, a move that Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for the United Fresh Produce Association, suggests would make schools more inclined to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods (Shee, Packer, 6/29/09).