Gleim Announces Fresh Produce Grant for Carlisle School
HARRISBURG – Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland) today announced that $23,977.50 has been awarded to Hamilton Elementary School through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).
“It is important to help our school children develop healthy eating habits in their formative years so that foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants become a natural part of their daily diets,” Gleim said. “Good nutrition is essential for children's brain development. Children who have access to nutritious food have energy to learn.”
The FFVP’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health. FFVP was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008.
The vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables provide children with the following benefits:
• Promote good health and protect against disease, both now and in the future.
• Ensures the child’s healthy growth and development.
• Strengthen a child’s immune system and help fight illnesses.
FFVP funding priority is given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Grantees are required to spend most of their grant on the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetables and must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs.
Representative Barbara Gleim
199th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
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