Lewistown among schools to receive funds for fresh produce

Lewistown Elementary to receive nearly $32M

LEWISTOWN -- Lewistown Elementary School is among 249 Pennsylvania schools receiving grant funding to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.

The Mifflin County School District school received $31,968 through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program for the 2026-27 school year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

More than $7.3 million was awarded to schools in 29 counties statewide.

The program provides students with free fresh fruit or vegetable snacks outside the regular school breakfast and lunch programs. Its goals include introducing children to a greater variety of produce, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and encouraging healthier eating habits.

"Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables impacts growth, development, and achievement not just for individuals, but for entire communities," Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said. "By locally sourcing nutritious food, schools improve the health of learners, our education system, and economy."

Participation is limited to elementary schools enrolled in the National School Lunch Program where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Among eligible schools that apply, priority is given to those with the highest percentages of qualifying students.

Grant money may be used to purchase produce through wholesalers, grocery stores, farmers markets, orchards and local growers. Schools may also use a limited portion of the funding for costs associated with operating the program.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program was piloted in four states in 2002, introduced in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded nationwide in 2008. The number of participating schools varies annually according to available federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the program, which is administered in Pennsylvania by the Department of Education.