Fresh Fruit, Veggie Program Increases Kids Produce Consumption

WASHINGTONA new report issued by USDAs Food and Nutrition Service found the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) increases the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by children at participating schools by 15% a day. The report also found the additional fruits and vegetables consumed replaced the consumption of other less healthy foods.

The FFVP began as a pilot program in 2002, championed by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), and was expanded nationwide in the 2008 Farm Bill. FFVP operates in selected low-income elementary schools to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among students in the nations poorest elementary schools by providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students outside of regular school meals.

We are thrilled that this comprehensive evaluation confirms what we have seen in our visits with students, parents and school officials in FFVP schools over the last 10 years," said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for United Fresh. The FFVP is effective in its mission to increase childrens total fruit and vegetable consumption and expose them to a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, while at the same time replacing other less healthy snacks. These results demonstrate that the FFVP increased students fruit and vegetable intake approximately twice as much as other interventions."