Snack report

The USDA has issued an interim fiscal year 2006 report on the fruit and vegetable snack program that Lorelei DiSogra of United forwarded to me. Find it here. Included are notes about the most popular fruits and vegetables in the program. I can ease the suspense by telling you they are the same as before.

Having visited a school in Iowa that has the program, I would second what the report says about its popularity. Students in Jewell, Iowa, were elbowing each other for a chance at snow peas and clementines.

Here is a glowing excerpt from the agency's grade card on the snack program.

"The FFVP continues to remain popular among students, parents, school and foodservice staff. Many schools continued in the program from the previous year. Anecdotal information from these schools indicates a noticeable shift in students’ preferences from processed, high calorie and high fat snack foods to fruits and vegetables. Students are also making healthier choices in their lunches brought from home. Additionally, parents report they see a carryover at home of this healthier trend as children request fresh fruits and vegetables for their home meals.
States that solicit applications each year for participation in the FFVP continue to be overwhelmed by applications and interest in the program. In accordance with provisions in the law, priority in the newly participating States was given to schools with 50 percent or more of their children eligible for free and reduced price meals and those schools that had partnered with one or more non-Federal entity for program support. States continue to express a preference to have more than 25 schools per State participate. "