Morris County Schools Join Record Participation in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

State Initiative Connects Over 100,000 New Jersey Students to Nutritious Produce and Local Farms

MORRISTOWN, NJ - In a continued stride towards promoting better nutrition among school children, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture unveiled an all-time high in school participation for the 2023-2024 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). With 222 schools enlisted, Morris County proudly witnesses three of its schools in Dover making the esteemed list.

Joseph Atchison III, the New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, expressed his enthusiasm for the program's outreach this school year. “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program encourages students to taste new offerings and to develop healthy eating habits that benefit them for a lifetime,” said Assistant Secretary Atchison. He emphasized that not only does the FFVP foster excitement in educational institutions, but it also aids farmers statewide, with locally-grown New Jersey produce often showcased in the program.

Key Points:

The US Department of Agriculture has earmarked $5,930,389 for New Jersey's FFVP, aiming to deliver fresh produce to over 105,000 students across 57 districts in 16 counties during school hours, accompanied by nutrition education.
A remarkable 80% of the 222 participating schools have opted to align their FFVP with the Jersey Fresh Farm to School Program, marking a substantial increase from the program's humble beginnings with 33 schools in 2008.
Core objectives of the program entail introducing youngsters to nutritious foods, augmenting their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and instigating improved dietary habits enduring a lifetime.
An incentive in additional funds awaits schools that pair their FFVP with the Farm to School Program. To qualify, these institutions are mandated to supply Jersey Fresh produce for a minimum of 12 days annually and corroborate the produce's origin.

School selection for the FFVP hinges on criteria like elementary schools where at least half of the student populace is eligible for complimentary or price-reduced meals, commitment to predominantly sourcing local fruits and vegetables, universal student access to the provided produce, and strategies to collaborate with external entities to amplify nutrition education.

For a comprehensive list of schools participating in the 2023-2024 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, please visit https://bit.ly/3Q3ulNe.

Local Participation: