MISSION, TEXAS (APRIL 5, 2024) - Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) continues to prioritize healthy eating habits among its elementary students through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Launched initially by the Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program in the 2019-2020 school year, this initiative, funded by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has become a staple in promoting nutritious snack options within the district.
The program has been successful in introducing students to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to try or learn about. Myra Garza, Principal at Midkiff Elementary, emphasized the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program's role in educating the whole child.
“We always talk in education about differentiating instruction, we talk about meeting the needs of the different types of learners. This experience for our students is a means of differentiating their exposure to different foods,” states Garza. “They're going to go home and talk to their parents about the fruits and vegetables they tried. It's the direction we want to go in to not only educate the child, but also make them well rounded.”
Providing various items in the classroom creates opportunities for learning and discussion about nutrition. Teachers can facilitate engaging activities such as exploring the origins of each fruit and vegetable, discussing their unique nutritional profiles, and examining how they contribute to a balanced diet.
“Connections are made, you're talking about using all your senses to learn something. When you talk about fruit you've never had before,” Shared Garza. “The teacher gives them the facts on it, they see it, they look at science and elements around it. I think that's something that can become a core memory for the kids. It's an opportunity that we don't take for granted and we're appreciative that we get to be a part of this program.”
As the Child Nutrition Program Coordinator for Mission CISD, Edna Alvarez Prado understands the vital role nutrition plays in students' overall well-being. In a district such as Mission CISD, where providing meals is a daily responsibility, there's a constant drive to do more for the students.
"Beyond nourishing our students with meals, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is an opportunity to enhance their well-being through nutrition education. At Mission CISD, we're committed to going above and beyond for our students and community, asking ourselves how we can best serve them every day. Seeing our students excited for these healthy snacks daily at two o'clock is truly rewarding," shares Prado.
Due to grant restrictions, Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program currently offers the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the following sites: Castro Elementary, Marcell Elementary, Pearson Elementary, Alton Elementary, Cantu Elementary, Leal Elementary, O’Grady Elementary, Waitz Elementary, Salinas Elementary, Cavazos Elementary, Midkiff Elementary, and E. Rios Elementary.
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is an important tool in an effort to combat childhood obesity. FFVP is consistent with and supports the Health and Medicine Division (HMD) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s recommendations to provide healthier snack choices in schools.
For more information on the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program contact the Mission CISD Child Nutrition Program at (956) 323-3800.
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