Sunny View Elementary School was recently awarded a USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant for the 2010-2011 school year. The primary purpose of the grant is to promote healthier food choices by introducing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as daily snacks for students and helping teachers incorporate nutrition education in lesson plans.

Sunny View students have sampled several varieties of fruits and vegetables that they had never even heard of, like dragon fruit, pluots and broccolini. Most kids say they have enjoyed the assortment of new tastes and have asked parents to include some of them on their next shopping lists.

Sunny View teachers are not only incorporating nutrition education into their daily lesson plans; they are modeling healthy eating habits by sharing the treats. The cafeteria staff has committed to helping order and prepare the snacks three times per week.

While the grant will provide the snacks for the remainder of this year, it is the goal that the exposure to healthy alternatives will lead to better eating habits and a fit Sunny View community.