New Jersey schools add fresh produce to curriculum

FRANKFORD TWP.-Fresh red peppers were on the menu today in Cathy Hennessey's second grade class at Frankford Township School. The 18 seven and eight-year-olds tasted the peppers during a visit by N.J. Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus, as part of the state's Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program. The program is being conducted at 11 schools around the state. Each month, all students in Frankford Township School will sample the fruit or vegetable of the month, and learn more about that vegetable and the benefits of eating fresh produce. The school houses grades K through 8. "Students involved in the pilot program will have an opportunity to try fruits and vegetables they might not be offered at home," said Kuperus. "The best time to begin healthy eating habits is when you are young, and perhaps this program will instill in these students a lifetime appreciation of fruits and vegetables." Frankford Township school officials sought to be part of the program as part of their "Team Nutrition" initiative, in its fourth year. The program's initial intent was to create an awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits and daily physical activity, thus promoting wellness in the school community. The initiative included the planting of a school nutrition garden and a "Family Fun and Fitness Night." "This year we are looking forward to participating in the fruit and vegetable pilot program offered by the N.J. Dept. of Agriculture," said Eileen Lawley, Frankford Township School nurse, who heads the Team Nutrition program. "Here, the children will be able to sample a fruit or vegetable in their classroom each month. Our goal is to expose students to new, healthier foods and increase their fruit and vegetable consumption." Kuperus was treated to a tour of the garden at Frankford Township School, which was first planted in spring 2004 as a student/teacher/community effort. In the two seasons the garden has been planted, students have grown a variety of produce, including corn, squash, strawberries, pole beans, peas, pumpkins, and lettuces. The Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program is administered through the N.J. Dept. of Agriculture's Division of Food and Nutrition and is funded by the 2004 United States Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition Grant. The produce is provided by the United States Department of Defense, and every effort will be made to use Jersey Fresh products when they are in season. In future months, the students will sample yellow squash, pineapple, clementines, dried cranberries, sweet potatoes, kiwi, sugar snap peas, spinach and blueberries.