Farmer Cooperatives support 'all forms' provision in school lunch bill

Language in a Senate bill called the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Bill, which would expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) to include frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables, has the support of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC).

This would help the poorest areas of the United States to provide fruits and vegetables to children who may not otherwise get the nutrition provided by the FFVP.

“This provision will help provide schoolchildren in some of the country’s poorest school districts with greater access to the important vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables,” NCFC President and CEO  Chuck Conner said. “The science is clear in showing equivalent nutritional benefits of canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables when compared to fresh. Since canned, frozen and dried fruits and vegetables are often much more affordable options, this option will give these school districts greater flexibility and empower them to provide healthy food to their students.”

The provision is included in the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016 released by the Senate Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday. It would allow school districts to petition the USDA to purchase canned, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables.