Latta Elementary School has been given a grant for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). This program provides a variety of free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to all children enrolled at the elementary school.
Students are provided a fresh fruit and a vegetable weekly to experience. This allows students to try new varieties and broaden their taste buds. These items are not served during breakfast or lunch but experienced in the classroom with their peers. The students are able to give feedback on the items that were served. Students have tasted grapes, pineapple, jicamas, kiwi and many other items.
A USDA study found that FFVP students eat more fruits and vegetables than students who do not participate in the program. Schools deliver FFVP snacks along with bite-sized nutrition lessons. This encourages children to try new foods, learn about seasonal produce, and set healthy eating habits to last a lifetime.