Crapo Kicks Off School Snack Program; Announces Domestic Violence Education and Prevention Efforts

Boise â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will join students at two Idaho schools this week in a national effort to provide fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to educate students about healthy eating choices and improved learning abilities. Crapo spearheaded funding in Congress to establish a new Healthy Fruit and Vegetable Program funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture which establishes healthy snack alternatives in the classroom and during school lunch. Several states, including Idaho, are part of the pilot programs and Crapo is helping schools kick off the program this week.Also, this week Crapo will announce events that will educate about domestic and teen dating violence. In Idaho Falls on Wednesday, Crapo will join with advocates to announce a regional domestic violence prevention summit; Crapo is scheduled to speak at the summit, scheduled for this summer. On Thursday in Boise, he will announce a national effort aimed at saving millions of federal dollars that go to fight domestic violence and assist victims of crime in Idaho and across the country. Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden will join Crapo to express his support and announce a similar effort among the nationâ??s Attorneys General. Crapo has led an effort in the Senate to save funding in the Crime Victims Fund at a time when budget writers are considering moving the money collected from fines and fees related to the crimes to the General Treasury Fund. The money currently is earmarked to be spent on programs to benefit crime victims. Idaho received more than $3 million from the fund last year alone. Crapo and Wasden will be joined on the steps of the Idaho Statehouse Thursday morning by a large group of Idahoans who work with programs that use the funds to assist and compensate victims of crime. The news conference was originally scheduled for today (Monday), but was rescheduled due to an airline flight cancellation.Following are the details of several public events; all times are local. Please be advised that the schedule is subject to change. Crapoâ??s schedule for the week of April 17thTuesday, April 18th:11:30 a.m. MeridianJoins students, teachers, and administrators at Meridian Elementary School to announce the debut of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. In the library and adjoining cafeteria at Meridian Elementary School, 48 West State Street (near Meridian and Pine); the principal is Byron Yankey.Wednesday, April 19th: 9:45 a.m. Idaho Falls Visits with students, teachers and administrators at Dora Erickson Elementary School to celebrate the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. At 850 Cleveland; the principal is Bruce Cook.1:30 p.m. Idaho Falls Announces plans for Regional Domestic Violence Summit to be held June 2 at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Announcement will be made on the steps of the Bonneville County Courthouse, 605 N. Capitol. In the event of inclement weather, the announcement will be moved inside. Thursday, April 20th: 11:00 a.m. Boise Announces national effort regarding the federal Crime Victims Fund with Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden. Local victim assistance providers will also participate. On the Idaho Statehouse Steps, South side.