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Susan Acker (703) 305-2286

USDA AWARDS $9 MILLION TO PROMOTE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2005 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced $9 million will go to 225 schools in eight states and three Indian Tribal Organizations to encourage increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Schools participating in the program will be able to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

"Promoting good nutrition and exercise for our nation's children is a top priority," said Johanns. "This program enables schools to provide students with locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, which are important for good nutrition. MyPyramid underscores the importance of these foods by recommending an increase in their consumption."

On Oct. 1, 2005, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service will begin distributing the $9 million to elementary, middle and high schools in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington as well as schools at Zuni Pueblo of New Mexico, the Intertribal Council of Arizona and the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

The 2002 Farm Bill provided $6 million for the Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program during the 2002-2003 school year. Twenty-five elementary and secondary schools in Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Ohio and seven schools in the Zuni Pueblo of New Mexico participated in the original pilot. An evaluation of the pilot showed the program was popular with students and administrators. It improved students' eating habits and raised student preference for and awareness of a variety of fruits and vegetables. The 2004 Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act made the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program permanent.

In 2002, President Bush launched the HealthierUS initiative which directed all federal departments to work together when developing plans aimed at helping Americans live longer, better and healthier lives. The four keys to this initiative include being physically active every day, eating a nutritious diet, getting preventive screenings and making healthy choices.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers the Food Stamp Program, Child Nutrition Programs, which include the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. These programs serve low-income, nutritionally at-risk individuals and families.

For more information on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and its programs go to www.fns.usda.gov/fns