USDA grant to provide fresh fruits, vegetables at WES, USJ

More than 900 students at Westside and U.S. Jones Elementary schools will be eating a little bit healthier when school starts August 8. 

The Demopolis City School System has received a $56,000 USDA grant that is geared to introducing a variety of fruits and vegetables to them throughout the school year.

“When writing the grant, our purpose was to expose our students to more fruits and vegetables that they may not have access to at home or outside of school,” said Aretha Littles, CNP Coordinator for DCS.

Twice a week, students will receive fresh fruits or vegetables during their P.E. class or snack time as well as a brief lesson on the healthy treat.

The grant may be the difference between a student never trying mango, pineapple, broccoli or cauliflower versus them acquiring a taste for new fruits and vegetables, said Supt. Kyle Kallhoff.