NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee is getting $3.3 million in federal funds to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to public school children.
According to the Education Department, students at participating schools will receive a fresh fruit or vegetable during the school day at some point other than a regular meal.
The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn healthy eating habits. The program allows students to sample fresh produce to which they might otherwise not have access.
The funds will go to schools with the highest rate of students receiving free and reduced-cost lunches. Shelby County has the highest concentration of participating schools with 69. A total of 159 schools in 29 districts are participating.
