Fruit & Veg Program

The Nickerson, East Belfast and Frankfort Schools are participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the 2009- 2010 school year. A grant funded program though the Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition Services and the USDA provides funds to purchase a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day. The goal of the program is to:

 

Two to three times a week students receive a healthy snack. Items have included: roasted sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, pineapple, baked apples, vegetable soup, local apples, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and squash to name a few. Once a week, a class will prepare the snack for the entire school under the guidance of the site coordinator.

 

Local chefs are welcome to participate in the program. The Belfast Coop plans to partner with the Nickerson School four times during the school year to lead snack preparation.

Education is a key component of the program. Students receive information ranging from the origin of the vegetable or fruit to fun facts about the items being served. Waldo County Cooperative Extension works with the School Health Coordinator to provide nutritional education to the students.

 

To learn more about the program, become a chef guest or volunteer, contact Linda Hartkopf, School Health Coordinator at 338-1960 or email: [email protected].