Two local schools join fresh fruit and vegetable program

Pine Knot Primary and Whitley City Elementary students will get a special treat at snack time this school year – fresh fruits and vegetables.

The two county schools are participating in a program offered through the Kentucky Department of Education and United States Department of Agriculture, which will provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for students to eat throughout the school day.

WCE and PKP are part of 137 Kentucky elementary schools across the state participating in the program, with the goals of creating healthier school environments, expanding the variety of healthy foods the children experience, increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables and making a difference in their diets to impact their present and future health.

Schools that had at least 50 percent of their students qualify for free or reduced lunch were eligible to apply to participate in the program, with priority given to the schools with the highest percentage receiving priority.

The schools will receive funding of approximately $50 per student, out of a total funding of $2.95 million.