Grant Secures Fresh Fruits and Veggies for Bowling Green Kids

Bowling Green, famous for its vast stretches of rolling green meadows and vibrant farmer’s markets, is soon to be known for another thing – feeding its elementary school children fresh and nutritious produce. That’s right, four local elementary schools are about to continue their tradition of serving up crunchy apples and yummy carrots for their tiny tots to snack on throughout the day.

This has been possible due to a $129,675 grant from the USDA. Dishman McGinnis, Parker-Bennett-Curry, T.C. Cherry, and W.R. McNeill elementary schools are all set to benefit from receiving this fresh spankling produce, extending the benefits of nature’s bounty to their young students. But the buck doesn’t stop here. An exciting piece of this grant is that it goes hand-in-hand with providing nutrition education, so that the kiddos not only fill their bellies but also their minds.

So how do they decide which schools get the green? Good question! It’s all about the percentage of munchkins that benefit from free or reduced meals. This way, the crisp veggies and juicy fruits go to those tiny tummy owners who can use them the most.

The importance of this cannot be stressed enough. Dalla Emerson, the local child nutrition director, put it best. She said that the children who are not eating healthy or nutritious food tend not to do as well in school. This grant aims to correct this unfair disadvantage by giving them a nutrient-packed boost. A part of their day that not only feeds their stomachs but also aids in them becoming wholesome future citizens.

These fresh, life-bringing goodies are courtesy of local farmers and growers. The list includes Need More Acres Farm, Jackson’s Orchard, ATP Greenhouse, Berrylicious Orchard, Western Kentucky Aquaponics, KY Hydro Farm, and Silver Mist Farms. Talk about keeping it real!

The impact of this positively juicy grant extends beyond the school walls to the homes of the students. Emerson dropped another truth bomb stating that many families, despite working tirelessly, still find it hard to afford fresh produce. This step plugs the gap and ensures that the little ones who go to these schools won’t miss out on the essential nutrients needed for their growth.

The sweetness of this deal becomes even more palatable later in the school year when these eager beaver learners will visit the farms providing the produce. They’ll get to see, touch, and even taste the process that brings the delicious earthy goodies from farm to their classroom table. Now that’s an education!