USDA allocates $9 million to promote fruits, vegetables in schools.

USDA has awarded $9 million to 225 schools in eight states and three Indian tribal organizations that participate in a department program to encourage increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Schools participating in the program will be able to purchase locally grown fresh fruits

and vegetables. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service next month will begin distributing the $9 million to elementary, middle and high schools in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington, and to schools at Zuni Pueblo of New Mexico, the Intertribal Council of Arizona and the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

"Promoting good nutrition and exercise for our nation's children is a top priority," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "This program enables schools to provide students with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, which are important for good nutrition. MyPyramid underscores the importance of these foods by recommending an increase in their consumption."

The 2002 Farm Bill provided $6 million for the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program during the 2002-2003 school year. Twenty-five elementary and secondary schools in Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Ohio and seven schools in the Zuni Pueblo of New Mexico participated in the original pilot. An evaluation of the pilot showed the program was popular with students and administrators. It improved students' eating habits and raised student preference for and awareness of a variety of fruits and vegetables. The 2004 Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act made the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program permanent.