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The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program Helps Students Learn About Healthy Bodies

Kindergarten students are usually unsure about trying new fruits and vegetables at the first of the school year. It gets easier to try new things each time they try something new fruit or vegetable and find out they really like them.

Through the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) Program, the students learn to at least taste each new item to decide which ones they like and which they don’t. The FFV Program has opened up a whole new world of flavors to the K through 6^th grade students at Jonesboro, Westhills and Abrams Elementary School. Each time a new fruit or vegetable is served, students find out if they like it or not. Now, how-ever, because of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program, The students know WHY they do or do not like each item.

FFV Activities for 2014 - 2015

This year will be very informative and fun for the students. Each week the students will receive a different fruit or vegetable to try. In addition, the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) Program activities will also include an FFV Poster Contest, Hall-way Display Contest, FFV Food Fair and corn and potato roasting. In addition, select grades will go on field trips to the Farmers

Market. There will also be a number of guest speakers. Students will hear from Chefs from Culinary School, County Extension, Master Gardeners, Botanical Gardens, Children’s Hospital, Health Dept., and Red Cross. It is going to be a busy year!

Students Learn More About Fruits and Vegetables On Farmers’ Market Field Trips

Each year two grades levels go on a field trip to the Alabama Farmers’ Market. Students get to talk to the farmers who sell the fruits and vegetables in the open-air market. They are told how produce is grown and harvested before being shipped to markets and grocery stores. Students learn that produce is sold in bulk at the Market, making it cheaper at stores. Later, students have picnic on items bought for them at the Farmers’ Market.

Almost Everyone Needs To

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

A growing body of research shows that fruits and vegetables are critical to promoting good health. To get the suggested amount, most people need to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat every day.

How Many Fruits and Vegetables

Do You Need?

Fruits and Vegetables

Can Protect Your Health
     Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.

Whole Foods or Supplements?

Nutrients should come primarily from foods. Fruits and vegetables contain not only the vitamins and minerals that are often found in supplements, but also other naturally occurring substances that may help protect you from diseases.

For some people, fortified foods or supplements can be helpful in getting the nutrients their bodies need. A fortified food contains a nutrient in an amount greater than what is typically found in that food.

Substituting fruits and vegetables for higher-calorie foods can be part of a weight loss strategy.

v  Cut back on the amount of cereal in your bowl to make room for some cut-up bananas, peaches, or strawberries. You can still eat a full bowl, but with fewer calories.

v  Take a good look at your dinner plate. Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains should take up the largest portion of your plate. If they do not, replace some of the meat, cheese, white pasta, or rice with beans, peas, steamed broccoli, greens, or another favorite vegetable. This will reduce the total calories in your meal without reducing the amount of food you eat.

v  Remember to use a normal- or small-size plate — not a platter. The total number of calories that you eat counts, even if a good proportion of them come from fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are part of a well-balanced and vegetables.

Fruits and Vegetables On The Go!

You know that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for you, but you’re constantly on the go. You can fit fruits and veggies into your everyday routine. Fruits and vegetables can be a part of a balanced diet anytime, anywhere.

Easiest to take with you:

-Apples                                    - Bananas

- Grapes in Bags                     - Pears

- Baby Carrots in Bags                      - Plums

- Tangerines (Peel and Store in Baggie)

The Colors of Health

Fruits and vegetables come in terrific colors and flavors, but their real beauty lies in what's inside. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of many vitamins, minerals and other natural substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases.

To get a healthy variety, think color. Eating fruits and vegetables of different colors gives your body a wide range of valuable nutrients, like vitamins A and C, fiber and potassium. Example: green spinach, black beans, yellow corn, purple plums, red watermelon, and white onions. For more variety, try new fruits and vegetables regularly.

Students Learn About Different Produce

At The

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Food Fair

Reasons to Eat MORE Fruits & Vegetables

10.       Color & Texture. Fruits and veggies add color, texture … and appeal …  to your plate.

9.         Convenience. Nutritious in any form – fresh,

frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice, so

they’re ready when you are!

8.         Fiber.Fruits and veggies provide fiber that

helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy.

7.         Low in Calories. Fruits and veggies are

naturally low in calories.

6.         May Reduce Disease Risk. Eating plenty of

fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk

of many diseases, including heart disease,

high blood pressure, and some cancers.

5.         Vitamins & Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you

feel healthy and energized.

4.       Variety. Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety…there’s always something new to try!

3.         Quick, Natural Snack. Fruits and veggies are nature’s treat and easy to grab for a snack.

2.         Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel … some you don’t, and some grow

right in your  own backyard!

1.         Taste Great!