FNS PR 0002-2004

Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286
Jean Daniel (202) 720-3310

Joint Federal Pilot Projects Promote Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Schools

OXFORD, MS, April 23, 2004 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, today launched the first of 25 pilot projects at schools in Mississippi to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by students.

“This program illustrates how federal agencies, states, and schools can work together to make a difference in the lives of our children,” said Agriculture Under Secretary Eric M. Bost. “This pilot project will help educate students about the importance of good nutrition, including eating fresh fruit and vegetables. We know that far too many young people are struggling with overweight and obesity and that now, more than ever, children need our help in building good eating habits so they can have a long and healthy life.”

The inaugural pilot school is Oxford Elementary, which plans to offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to all students at snack time. In addition, the school will coordinate the snacks with its classroom nutrition education activities. 

Educational materials will be provided by the CDC and USDA as well as the National 5-A-Day Partnership. The funding, appropriated under Public Law 108-199, is from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Division of Adolescent and School Health. Mississippi and Iowa were each given $1 million for pilots that will operate during the 2004-2005school year. The other Mississippi schools will be announced shortly. Iowa will use the money to continue projects funded by USDA in 2002.

Under Secretary Bost was joined by Dr. Mary McKenna, Ph.D., health scientist, CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. "Encouraging our children to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and to understand why it’s important is a public health priority,” McKenna said. “Schools can help make this happen.”

“The school projects in Mississippi, and others begun two years ago in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and New Mexico, are effective and innovative efforts to help children live longer, better and healthier lives,” Bost said. “Providing healthy foods in schools is a key component of President Bush’s HealthierUS initiative.”

For more information on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and its programs, please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns .

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Addendum:

May 10, 2004 – The 25 Mississippi schools receiving funding are: