Do you remember hearing your parents and grandparents telling you the little folklore, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, we all know how important fresh fruits and vegetables are to our diet and also for our health. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 authorized funds for a program that offers free fruits and vegetables to students during the school day. This year the students at Burgess-Peterson Academy (BPA) along with students from 49 other school districts in Georgia will have an opportunity to enjoy a fresh fruit or vegetable as part of their daily routine.
In support of the school wellness policy, Coach Betty Jackson submitted the grant to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables to all students. The program will also support the garden and edible tree orchard already in place at the school. With the help of the Atlanta Public Schools Nutrition Department and local farmers, the BPA students will enjoy familiar fruits and vegetables native to Georgia and sample fruits like figs, pomegranate and kiwi as well as watermelon radishes, bok choi and other lesser-known veggies. The program will start in August and continue throughout the school year. The healthy snacks also will address an area of childhood obesity by giving students a choice of enjoying naturally grown produce and cut down the amount of sugary snacks that the students and parents bring to school each day.
