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Schools awarded grants to provide students fresh fruits, vegetables

Suburban schoolchildren and thousands more statewide will be able to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables this school year funded through federal grants.

More than 250 elementary schools statewide are participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, including West Aurora Unit District 129 ($83,527), East Aurora Unit District 131 ($292,996), Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 ($86,697), and Round Lake Unit District 116 ($57,563).

This is the eighth year the Illinois State Board of Education has administered the grant program.

"It is important to promote healthier eating habits so our kids will have the fuel they need for the school day and the knowledge to make healthier choices down the road," State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith said.

Illinois has seen program funds increase steadily each year from $2.21 million in the 2009-10 school year to $5.42 million this year. For the 2016-17 school year, an estimated 107,725 students across 260 sites will benefit from the program. Schools are reimbursed monthly for allowable expenses up to the school's total awarded amount.

Grants are awarded to elementary schools with the highest eligibility in the free and reduced-price categories within the National School Lunch Program.

All students in participating schools have access to a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables at least twice a week. Teachers can use work sheets, fact sheets and classroom discussion to teach students about the nutritious fruits and vegetables, linking them to curriculum. For more information about the program, visit isbe.net.

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