Idaho Added To School Fruit, Vegetable Program

Washington, DC â??The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable School Program is one step closer to existing in Idaho schools Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced today as funding for the expansion of the program to Idaho was included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill approved by Senate and House appropriations conferees. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program places domestically-grown fruits and vegetables in schools as healthy snacks and educates students on the importance of eating healthy and preventing diet-related chronic diseases. â??The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable School Program helps students stay healthy and increase their attention in classes,â?? Crapo said. â??This benefits students while also giving a boost to our domestic farmers who grow these healthy fruits and vegetables. The program has proven successful in other states and Iâ??m happy that Idaho is closer to having this beneficial program.â?? States currently enrolled in the program receive $1 million, with additional funding provided for Native American reservations. The program was first implemented in 2002 as a part of the Farm Bill as a pilot program with four participating states and, after its success, was expanded to currently now eight states. The Agriculture appropriations measure will now move to the Senate and House floors for final approval, which is slated to take place in coming days, after which will then be sent to the President for his signature.