Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Five elementary schools in Bowling Green will receive $129,675 to implement the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This initiative aims to provide healthy snacks to students, promoting better nutrition and supporting local farms. Schools were selected based on eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, with an emphasis on those with over 50% eligibility. The program seeks to enhance student health and education by encouraging healthy eating habits through fresh produce.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Five elementary schools in Bowling Green are set to benefit from the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, as announced by the Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD). The program, funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to provide healthy fruit and vegetable snacks to students throughout the district.
BGISD will receive a total of $129,675.00 to implement the program. This funding will be utilized to purchase fresh produce from various local partners, ensuring that the snacks are not only nutritious but also support local agriculture. The schools will be acquiring products from reputable local sources, including Jackson’s Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Need More Acres Farm, Berrylicious Orchard, Western Kentucky Aquaponics, KY Hydro Farm, and Silver Mist Farms.
The schools participating in the program were selected based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. BGISD prioritized these schools, focusing on those where more than 50% of students meet the eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to provide healthier meal options to students who may not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables otherwise.
Each participating school will receive funding calculated at approximately $50 per student. This financial support allows the schools not only to provide the snacks but also to educate students about the importance of healthy eating habits. The offering of fresh produce is intended to encourage a balanced diet among students while also aiming to decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity and related health problems.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a crucial component of efforts to improve student health across the United States. It recognizes the significance of providing students with access to healthy food options during the school day, which can enhance their academic performance and overall well-being. Research has shown that students who consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables tend to perform better in school and have improved concentration levels, thus making this program particularly vital.
In addition to benefiting students nutritionally, the program also fosters greater community engagement. By sourcing produce from local farms, BGISD helps stimulate the local economy and promote awareness of agriculture in the Bowling Green area. Participating farmers are able to showcase their products to students and their families, creating a direct connection between education and local food systems.
In conclusion, Bowling Green Independent School District’s participation in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program marks a significant step towards enhancing the health and nutrition of local students. The funding will enable schools to offer fresh produce as part of school snacks, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and educational benefits for the children in the district.
FAQs
What is the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program?
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a federally funded initiative that provides funding to elementary schools to offer healthy fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day.
How much funding is Bowling Green Independent School District receiving?
BGISD will receive a total of $129,675.00 for the program.
Which schools are participating in the program?
Five elementary schools in Bowling Green are participating, selected based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Where will the produce be sourced from?
Produce will be purchased from several local partners, including Jackson’s Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Need More Acres Farm, and others.
How is funding determined for each school?
Each participating school will receive funding based on approximately $50 per student.
Why is the program important?
The program aims to provide students with access to healthy snacks, which can improve their nutrition, support better academic performance, and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $129,675.00 |
| Number of Schools Participating | 5 elementary schools |
| Funding Per Student | Approximately $50 |
| Key Partners | Jackson’s Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Need More Acres Farm, etc. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Schools with 50% or more students eligible for free/reduced-price meals |
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: BGISD Receives USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant
- Wikipedia: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
- WBKO: Bowling Green Celebrates Fourth of July with Family-Friendly Events
- Google Search: Healthy Eating Habits
- Produce Business: Summer Produce Merchandising Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nutrition
- Toledo City Paper: Share Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Google News: Childhood Obesity
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
