For the second consecutive year McCord Elementary students will be getting a little “fruity” during their snack time thanks to a grant through the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program is federally assisted and provides eligible elementary schools free fresh fruits and vegetables to give students during snack times.
Vernon ISD Child Nutrition Services Director Skyler Boatman explained the goal of the program is help schools provide healthier food choices.
“Another goal is to introduce fruits and vegetables that may be new to students,” she added. “The program helps us give our students the opportunity to eat more fruits and vegetables and expands the variety of fruits and vegetables the children experience.”
Last year students got to try, and some were introduced for the first time, to blueberries, Granny Smith Apples and bananas. Every Monday and Wednesday during the month of October McCord students will be treated to a new fruit or vegetable during snack time.
This Monday, the treat was a Red Pear. As they were handed out in Mrs. Twaleena Weddle’s kindergarten class one student exclaimed, “It’s an apple.” However, another student knew exactly what it was and quickly corrected his classmate. “Nooo, it’s not,” the youngster said. "It’s a Red Pear and they’re gooood!”
Unfortunately for that youngster, while his classmates started biting into their Red Pears, all he did was stare at his. When asked why, the young man looked up and pointed to his front teeth. “They’re loose. I can’t bite it,” he answered.
Over in Mrs. Crystal White’s pre-kindergarten class, the Red Pears were a big hit with students giving them a thumbs up with one hand, while eating the fruit out of the other hand.
Teaching the students about the fruits and vegetables they will be eating is also an objective of the program, as it hopes to help the children set healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
“Vernon ISD is fortunate to receive this grant to help introduce new fruits and vegetables for our kiddos to try,” Boatman said. “Last year we were the only district in Region 9 to receive the grant and this year another district also received the grant. It’s a pretty big deal.”
During the month, students will also get to try celery sticks, Murcott Mandarins, Rainbow Carrots, Texas Gala Apples, and during the week leading up to Halloween – Green Dragon Apples and Blood Oranges.