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(INDIANAPOLIS) – In partnership with Piazza Produce, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced today South East Neighborhood School of Excellence has been named the 2018-2019 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program School of the Year. South East Neighborhood School of Excellence is located in Indianapolis.
“Every day schools across Indiana provide students access to healthy and nutritious meals and snacks, said Julie Sutton, IDOE School, and Community Nutrition Director. “Ensuring students eat well during the school day is key to creating positive learning environments, and I want to thank South East Neighborhood School of Excellence for their dedication to proper nutrition.”
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a federally assisted grant program providing students free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. To be eligible for the program, schools must have a free and reduced rate of at least 50 percent, must serve an elementary student population (grades PreK through grade 6), agree to serve fresh fruits or vegetables outside other federal nutrition programs, and complete an annual application.
The Indiana Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program School of the Year Award provides formal recognition to schools within the program who provide outstanding service to their students. Awarded schools are selected through a predefined rubric, and receive a recognition banner, and a framed certificate, along with a $250 award, presented by Piazza Produce.
For more information on Indiana’s administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, please visit www.doe.in.gov/nutrition/scn-fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-program.