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Nutrition Services was awarded $1.2 million from the Texas Department of Agriculture to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to more HISD students. This year, TDA selected two more HISD elementary schools to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, for a total of 39 schools in the district now included in the program.

FFVP helps Nutrition Services meet its goals of providing HISD students with more fresh fruits and vegetables and healthier food options in district schools. Nutrition Services Senior Operations Manager Becky Campbell said the grant gives school children the opportunity to taste products not regularly found on school menus.

Students will be offered some exotic and fun fresh fruits and vegetables in their school meals this year, according to Nutrition Services dietitian and menu planner Amanda Oceguera. New items this year include star fruit, dragonfruit, cherries, and kiwis.

FFVP adds an educational component so students can learn good eating habits. Eating fruits and vegetables helps children grow healthy and avoid diseases in adult life, and gives students an extra boost of energy to help them focus.