Eight Collier and four Lee County elementary schools are among the 130-plus schools throughout Florida that have been selected for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the current academic year. The program, initiated by the 2008 Farm Bill, helps schools provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as snack options to students three to five times per week.

The program increases children’s consumption of healthier food, fosters healthy eating habits that impact their present and future well-being, and helps schools create a healthier classroom environment with expanded food choices.

For more info and a list of participating schools, visit www.fldoe.org/fnm/ffvp.