US agriculture secretary Ed Schafer announced on August 6 that $49 million (£26m) will be provided in fresh fruits and vegetables for elementary schoolchildren during the school day.

The 2008 farm bill amended the Richard B Russell National School Lunch Act by adding section 19, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This new section replaces a previous program in a limited number of states, and expands fresh fruit and vegetables to selected schools in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“Fresh produce for children at school gives them an early start on healthy eating habits that can stay with them after school, and throughout their lives,” said Schafer. “This programme will help educate students about the importance of good nutrition, including eating fresh fruit and vegetables. We know that far too many young people are struggling with being overweight and even obese. Now, more than ever, children need our help in building good eating habits so they can have a long and healthy life.”

All students in participating schools receive fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost, where a high proportion of children are eligible to receive free or reduced price school meals. In addition to more choice, their routines may grow to add fruits and vegetables into their daily meal choices outside of school.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is targeted to students in the neediest elementary schools in each state. Schools may apply for funding to operate this programme on an annual basis. The Farm Bill makes $40m available during the upcoming school year 2008-09, $65m for 2009-10, $101m for 2010-11, and $150m for 2011-12. Subsequent yearly funding is indexed for inflation. State funding levels are allocated through a formula and will be available from October 1.

Schools are encouraged to implement the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in partnership with non-federal organisations. In addition to the money made available by the Farm Bill, approximately $9m was made available in the 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act for distribution to states in support of school year 2008-09 activity.

SECOND GONG FOR INTENSE

nunhems vegetable Seeds’ Intense tomato won the prestigious Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Buyer’s Choice Award at the 2008 PMA Foodservice Conference & Exposition.

The award, voted on by hundreds of operators, distributors, chefs and wholesalers from around the country, recognises the Intense tomato’s foodservice-friendly attributes, including significantly less gel, firmer flesh and intense red colour. These traits allow Intense, pictured, to be easily and uniformly sliced, diced or cut without losing its fresh appearance.

Brian Bengard, Nunhems downstream specialist, said: “This award is extra special because it is voted on by those who actually use the product. It validates our efforts to fully understand the wants and needs of the entire supply chain, then identify or develop seed varieties that fulfil those requirements.”

The award was officially announced by PMA president Bryan Silbermann on Saturday, July 26 at the opening general session of the 2008 PMA Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, California.

This is the Intense tomato’s second major award for product innovation. Early this year, it was awarded the Innovation Award at Fruit Logistica, in Berlin.

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