Searsport Elementary, Stockton Springs and Searsport Middle School received the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program for the 2016-2017 school year..

The program, funded through the Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition Services and the USDA, provides resources to purchase a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables during the school day. The goal of the program is to:

• Create a healthier school environment by providing healthier food choices
• Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience
• Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
• Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health.

Through this program, students receive a healthy snack two to three times a week. Items have included: roasted sweet potatoes, pineapple, baked apples, local apples, carrots, tomatoes, green beans and squash to name a few.

Schools have a “grab 'n go” type program where students can access produce every day.

Local chefs are welcome to participate in the program. The Belfast Coop and the Waldo County SNAP -Ed Coordinator, Beth Chamberlain partnered with the Searsport Elementary School  to offer taste testing sessions throughout the school year. 

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 and the MAine Child Nutrition Services works with the Let's Go! Waldo County Coordinator to provide nutritional education materials to the students.

To learn more about the program, become a guest chef  or volunteer, contact Mac Smith, FFVP Coordinator at  email: msmith@rsu20.org.

Tip of the Day

Check out the cool fruit and vegetable fact sheets below to learn about the produce we served in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program.