Funding a result of legislation Reid led to passage in 2008

March 23, 2011

Washington, D.C.–Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced more than $2 million to help Nevada’s struggling schools help provide healthier food to students throughout the school day. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, financially-strapped Nevada schools will offer increased access to fruits and vegetables beginning with the start of the 2011/2012 school year. 

“With Nevada’s education system in crisis, these resources will give a needed boost to our state’s cash-strapped schools,” said Reid.  “Students who eat healthy foods not only perform better in school, but learn to develop healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of obesity as well as diseases like diabetes.  I will continue working to ensure all of Nevada’s schools have the resources they need to prepare our students to compete in a 21st Century global economy.”
 
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program operates in low-income elementary schools and ensures that students receive $50 to $75 worth of fresh produce over the school year.  The funding for this program comes as a result of the Farm Bill that Reid led to passage in 2008.

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