Tennessee Schools Serve Free Fruits and Vegetables

Nashville, TN - Governor Phil Bredesen and Education Commissioner Tim Webb announced today that 25 Tennessee elementary and middle schools will offer free fruits and vegetables to students this school year due to a federal grant. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program aims to increase student consumption of fresh or dried fruit and fresh vegetables.

Tennessee schools already play a large role in establishing active, healthy lifestyles among students with research-based school nutrition programs and coordinated school health partnerships in every district, Governor Bredesen said. I applaud schools that continuously find new ways to improve student health.

Schools submitted applications to be considered and were selected based on factors such as staff commitment, efficient use of resources and innovative promotional efforts.

Health habits form early and tend to last a lifetime, Commissioner Webb said. The more we can teach students to eat well and be active, the better their chances of enjoying lifelong health.

The grant allows these schools to provide approved fruits and vegetables at no charge to students during the school day. For example, dried fruits may not be mixed with candy or coated, and fruits and vegetables may not be canned, frozen or vacuum packed.

The following schools are participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program:

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program was created through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008. The grant runs from July 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.