Chapel Hill ISD was selected to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), an initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Administration. The selection was announced on October 15, making Chapel Hill the sole district in its region to be chosen for the program. This opportunity will provide elementary students with access to fresh produce and education on healthy eating.
The FFVP, which has been operational since 2008, delivers free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children enrolled in eligible elementary schools. For Chapel Hill ISD, this marks the return of the program after a ten-year hiatus, re-establishing a resource designed to support student wellness.
Jaime Swanson, director of child nutrition for Chapel Hill ISD, stated the district’s aim for the program. "We want students to discover that healthy foods can be both nutritious and enjoyable," Swanson said. The program structure will provide elementary students with FFVP snacks, paired with brief nutrition lessons. These sessions are intended to allow students to encounter and try a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including options they may not have previously experienced.
Swanson explained that the nutrition education component is crucial for helping students grasp how these foods contribute to their health. This understanding, in turn, is expected to encourage students to make informed and healthy dietary choices. She emphasized that bringing the program back allows students the opportunity to explore different flavors and build healthy habits that can continue as they grow.
The FFVP also promotes collaboration between schools and partners at local and state levels to bolster the program’s impact. To that end, Chapel Hill ISD’s Child Nutrition Department, as outlined by Swanson, plans to engage with campus administrators, employees, families, and students. This collaborative approach aims to cultivate a positive experience for all participants.
The overarching goal of the program is to foster an environment where students feel at ease trying new foods, thereby developing healthy eating habits that extend beyond the school day. Swanson confirmed that the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program complements Chapel Hill ISD's existing efforts to support student health and overall well-being, while simultaneously creating valuable opportunities for learning and personal development within the school community.
