USDA announced Aug. 6 that $49 million in fresh fruits and vegetables will be provided for elementary school children during the school year. Florida has been allocated almost $1.7 million of that amount with emphasis to be placed on schools serving the most needy children.

The 2008 Farm Bill amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding Section 19, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This new section replaces a previous program in a limited number of states, and expands fresh fruits and vegetables to selected schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

.

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)