LUMBERTON — Local elementary school students will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as their schools participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Grant.
The program will provide free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks for students in 21 elementary schools selected to participate in the program during the 2025-2026 academic year. The following schools have been selected to participate: Deep Branch Elementary, East Robeson Primary, Fairgrove Elementary, Long Branch Elementary, Magnolia Elementary, Oxendine Elementary, Parkton Elementary, Pembroke Elementary, Peterson Elementary, Piney Grove Elementary, Prospect Elementary, Rex-Rennert Elementary, Rosenwald Elementary, Rowland-Norment Elementary, St. Pauls Elementary, Tanglewood Elementary, Southside-Ashpole Elementary, Townsend Elementary, Union Chapel Elementary, Union Elementary and W.H. Knuckles Elementary.
Introducing children to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at a young age helps them to develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. The FFVP is designed to introduce children to new, healthy foods while providing nutritional education during snack time.
Research by the USDA has demonstrated that students participating in the program consume more fruits and vegetables compared to their non-participating peers. Beyond just providing healthy snacks, the program serves as an educational tool, teaching students about seasonal produce and encouraging them to try new foods.
Schools participating in the program incorporate brief nutrition lessons during snack
time, helping students understand the importance of healthy eating habits.
“We’re excited to be part of this program and give our students the chance to enjoy and explore new fruits and vegetables they may not typically try or have access to. It’s a great initiative that supports our mission to encourage healthy eating habits among our students,” said PSRC Child Nutrition Services Director Charlene Locklear.
PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson echoed the sentiment.
“We are grateful to receive this grant and proud to see so many of our schools participating,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “Healthy students are better learners, and this program helps ensure our children have the nutrition they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. It’s an investment not only in their health but also in their future.”