2 Wilkes Schools--Fruits and Veggies

TWO WILKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS RECEIVE GRANTS FOR STUDENTS: MORE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES -- Wilkes County Schools has announced that Moravian Falls Elementary and North Wilkesboro Elementary have received USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grants for the 2012-2013 school year. Both schools celebrated the kickoff of their programs with school-wide events including special guest speakers and student pledges to learn more about healthy eating. In addition to the nutritious snack, the FFVP grant provides an opportunity for students to learn how fruits and vegetables are a critical part of a healthy diet and help prevent obesity and diseases associated with obesity. Wilkes County students already have access to a healthy breakfast and lunch during the school day, but this grant extends healthy eating to FREE and healthy snack choices. Students at Moravian Falls and North Wilkesboro will have a variety of fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day for a minimum of two days per week.  Students at 143 North Carolina elementary schools will enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables during the current school year thanks to a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant will be used by school staff to promote healthier food choices and help teachers incorporate nutrition education in lesson plans. This is the ninth consecutive year North Carolina has participated in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for students.