Guy-Perkins Elementary School has been awarded a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant of $12,675 for the 2024-25 school year. The FFVP, a federally assisted program administered by the USDA, provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The program aims to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, including new and diverse varieties, while increasing their overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce. Additionally, the FFVP promotes healthier school environments by encouraging nutrition education.
At the end of the 2023-24 school year, Melody Olson, the District e-Trition/Food Service Director, conducted a fruit and vegetable "taste testing" with elementary students. She discovered that students enjoyed trying new foods such as kale, squash, asparagus, grapefruit, and coconut, in addition to their all-time favorites like cucumbers, broccoli, grapes, blackberries, and strawberries. Olson noted, "The FFVP encourages children to try new foods, learn about seasonal produce, and establish healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime."
Guy-Perkins is now in its seventh year of participating in the FFVP. For more information about the program, please contact Melody Olson at melody.olson@gptbirds.org.