More fresh fruit and vegetables for school kids

Money to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for snacks is available to elementary schools all over California, the state's education chief, Jack O'Connell, said today.

"We know that hungry children don't learn as well as well-nourished children," O'Connell said in a statement. "In light of the current economic downturn, higher food prices, and continued concern regarding childhood obesity, I am heartened to announce that additional federal funding is available to help schools find innovative ways to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to students for free at school, even right in their classrooms." 

Officials recently showed off the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at the Will Rogers Learning Community, an elementary school in Santa Monica. That's one of 25 schools that already have funding. An additional $2 million comes from the federal 2008 Farm Bill.

Eligible applicants for this round of funding include elementary schools with high proportions of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. The program is intended to provide all the children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruit or vegetable snacks.

-- Mary MacVean

Photo by Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times