On February 26, 2025, Desiree Karst, RDN & Charlie’s Produce Account Executive, Bart, were guests at Whittier Elementary. The visit was an opportunity to educate students about our district’s commitment to providing students with healthy and fun food choices.
The focus during the visit was the district’s participation in The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, an initiative by the US Department of Agriculture to offer elementary schools a wider variety of fresh produce than what is available through regular USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
The item served that day was yellow dragon fruit. Students asked many questions and were great participants. Amy Griffin, 6th grade teacher at Whittier shared with them that there’s never a bite wasted - the kids love this program. Students gain an appreciation for farmers, an inquisitive mind for growing fresh fruits and vegetables, and generally, an open mind to trying new foods that they may start to recognize in their own local farmer’s markets and grocery stores.
Under the program, a fresh fruit or vegetable snack is provided 3-4 days per week to all students at the schools awarded the grant. This year the grant was awarded to 13 schools.
The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) department procures items through their produce vendor, Charlie’s Produce. Typically the items are domestic, but it's a treat to surprise the students with non-domestic items if the price is right.
A big thank you to the hard working food service staff that prepare the items and the teachers that encourage the children to be adventurous and excited about fruits and vegetables. FNS hopes this grant continues to be available for many years to come!