Frankfort, KY - As spring gardening begins in earnest, those who enjoy fresh produce can't wait to get started.
Unfortunately, many people including young children don't have steady access to local fresh foods.
There are, however a growing number of avenues available to help remedy the problem.
A federal program that is creating much excitement here and around the country involves a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill known as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP.)
The initiative is administered by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and offers elementary schools across the nation the ability to apply for grants to be used to provide fresh produce to their students. According to information from the USDA, "section 19 of the National School Lunch Act requires that schools with the highest free and reduced price enrollment be given priority for participation in the FFVP. This is the key selection criterion, which ensures that the program benefits low-income children that generally have fewer opportunities to consume fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis."
The program is administered on a state-by-state basis through their respective departments of education.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) recently announced it was seeking elementary schools to participate in the program for the 2010-2011 school-year.
Kentucky has been allocated $1,842,089 for use during the period beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011. At a minimum of $60 per student over the course of the year, approximately 30,701 students can be served through the initiative.
Lisa Gross, spokesperson for KDE said the program was a big hit in this, its first year in Kentucky and she expects the same for the next school year.
"We had a great response to the FFVP this year and will likely see a strong response next school year," she said.
According to information from the KDE, schools will be selected based on guidance and oversight by the USDA. Criteria for schools to participate in the program include: