West Fresno Elementary School has been chosen as a recipient of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant, a $32,000 grant administered by the California Department of Education’s Nutrition Services Division.
Washington Unified Food Services Director, Suzanne Dias, is excited to be able to introduce different fruits and vegetables to elementary students. “My mission is to make sure that no student walks away hungry,” stated Dias, who is passionate about making sure all WUSD students are served nutritious food. Students are provided with fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis.
As part of the program, Dias provides West Fresno Elementary Principal, Toshia Foth, with nutritional information that includes the health benefits of each item being served. The goal is to educate parents and students about the different fruits and vegetables provided.
According to the CDE’s website, “The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) is a reimbursement grant program that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers at the federal level. At the state level, the CDE Nutrition Services Division (NSD) administers the FFVP and selects schools to receive a year-long grant (July–June) to implement the program.” Program goals include: expanding the fruits and vegetables that children experience, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and making a difference in children’s diets that will positively affect their future.
