Andrews school
gets federal grant
for food program
Last Updated on 11/21/2008
Published on 9/4/2008
Andrews Elementary is one of 34 South Carolina elementary schools which will be munching on fresh carrots or peaches in their classrooms and hallways this year, thanks to federal grants designed to entice them with healthier snacks.
The schools will use their portions of $800,000 in federal grant funds to provide fruit baskets inside classrooms, kiosks in hallways and other innovative approaches to give students the opportunity to get fresh fruit or vegetable snacks throughout the school day.
AES will receive more than $43,100.
The program is a partnership involving the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the S.C. Departments of Education and Agriculture.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program uses all of a student's senses to help develop healthier snack habits. Participating schools demonstrated a willingness to develop nutrition education programs focused on fruits and vegetables, as well as a willingness to develop partnerships with local farmers and growers.
"There are actually two goals here," said State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex.
"First, we want kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Second -- and perhaps even more important in the long run -- we want to give students a head start on developing healthier eating habits that will last their whole lives."
