Nearly $30K in state funding to promote healthy fruits, vegetables at Carnegie Elementary

Carnegie Elementary students have access to fresh food and vegetables, in part, because of state funding.

The state’s Department of Education awarded Carlynton School District $29,238 in August for the fresh fruit and vegetable program in the elementary school.

The program aims to familiarize students with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, ultimately boosting the overall consumption of the foods, said Superintendent John Kreider.

“This program plays a strong role in supporting nutrition education and contributes to creating a healthier learning environment within our schools,” he said.

Kreider said the grant enables Carnegie Elementary to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to classrooms several times a week. He said teachers receive information about the fruit or vegetable that day and teach a brief lesson to their class. After the lesson, students can sample the fruit or vegetable.

The school has participated in the program for several years. Kreider said the district has observed positive changes in eating patterns and a higher level of acceptance for fresh fruits and vegetables among students since the program’s inception.

The entire amount of the grant is used to purchase produce for the program throughout the school year.

Kreider said that in addition to the program, the school’s cafeteria also offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of both the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program.

“Carlynton School District is proud to continue this program at Carnegie Elementary and believe it is making a meaningful impact on our students’ health and well-being,” Kreider said.