Celebrating June as National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) encourages children to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables this month and all year long! Fresh fruits and vegetables are refreshing, offer nutrition for supporting healthy bodies, and often make meals and snacks colorful. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables in-season and from local sources helps to support farmers and producers in local communities. 

Throughout the school year, schools provide fruits and vegetables as part of breakfast, lunch, and after school snacks. 

Especially focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program funds fresh snacks for a select amount of elementary schools in Pennsylvania annually. Schools participating in the 2020-21 school year have found creative ways, amidst pandemic-altered operations, to continue providing these fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to school meals. PDE will announce the awarded recipients for of the grant for the 2021-2022 school year soon.  

Through collaboration between PDE and Penn State University (Project PA), the Pennsylvania Harvest of the Month program launched during the 2020-2021 school year. The program features Pennsylvania grown produce each month, and provides schools, childcare and education programs, and summer meals programs with promotion materials and suggested recipes which feature the produce.  

Summer meals programs include fruits and vegetables, and many programs include fresh items. Find meals when schools are not in session: www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids.  

Enjoy this delicious month!