Congressman Sees Firsthand How Local Schools Are Meeting School Nutrition Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Congress considering legislation that will reauthorize the federal child nutrition program, Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01) visited schools on May 6th in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) to see firsthand how schools in his district are successfully implementing school nutrition standards and increasing children’s consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

During the visit, Carter spoke directly with students, teachers, parents and administrative staff at Robert W. Groves High School in Garden City and Shuman Elementary School in Savannah – two of the 54 schools in SCCPSS that have received salad bar donations through the Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools initiative. Also in attendance were representatives of the fresh produce industry, including the United Fresh Produce Association and its allied member, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Grower Association.

“Popular among students for their variety and Georgia-grown fruit and vegetable selections, salad bars in schools have been shown to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and are an effective way for schools to successfully meet nutrition standards,” said Lorelei DiSogra, EdD, R.D., Vice President of Nutrition and Health, United Fresh Produce Association.

“The efforts of the school community in Georgia’s first congressional district are a testament to the commitment to equip children with lifelong healthy eating habits,” said Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, United Fresh Produce Association. “In Georgia alone, more than 2 million students eat breakfast and lunch at school each day. Additionally, new research shows that 73 percent of Georgia parents support national standards for school lunch and an overwhelming 93 percent feel strongly that school meals should include a fruit and vegetable. With numbers like that, it’s imperative that Congress look at effective policies and positive examples like the SCCPSS that will help schools across the country continue to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.”

A member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Carter’s committee is charged this year with reauthorization of child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program. Congress has until September 30, 2015 to reauthorize these federal nutrition programs.

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About United Fresh Produce Association

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org

Source: United Fresh Produce Association