“Which vegetable can’t you take on a boat?”
“Leeks!”
There were lots of smiles this fall during the launch of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Programs at Beecher Hills Elementary School and Deerwood Academy.
Each week, students at both schools have the opportunity to learn about and taste various fruits and vegetables.
The students and teachers have enjoyed many new foods including jicama, muscadine grapes, fennel, pluot, bok choy, and kiwi.
Recently, students tasted Scuppernongs, a type of grape named after the Scuppernong River in North Carolina where it was first discovered. The students also enjoyed trying Sugar Snap Peas. These peas can be eaten raw, stir –fried or cooked lightly.
Deerwood Academy began its first annual Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Campaign in August of 2013. The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the national level. Within Georgia, FFVP is primarily administered through the State Department of Education. FFVP helps children and their families change eating habits to combat childhood obesity. The program has been successful in introducing school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have the opportunity to sample.
- The Fruit and Vegetables Ambassador Chefs are preparing for their deliveries. Pictured left to right: Imari Elie, Aubryell Clay-Hawkins, Amari Hopkins, Shaniyah Smith, and Jailyn Starks.
The students at Deerwood Academy are very engaged in the fruit and vegetable initiative, and some even volunteer to deliver the fresh produce to classrooms throughout the school.
Three days a week, the Fruit and Vegetable Ambassador Chefs dress in their chef hat, apron, and gloves to deliver the produce throughout the school.
Want to share more ‘corny’ fruit and veggie jokes with your students? The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website has a few ‘berry’ funny ones!
