Twin Rivers Unified School District, located just outside Sacramento, California, developed an innovative and engaging way to encourage more fruit and vegetable consumption among students. An annual Farmers Market at each of its 24 elementary school campuses provides hands-on, tangible experiences for students, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices.
Hosting the market has become a beloved tradition at each school, as it is eagerly anticipated by students every year. At each market, fresh fruits and veggies bursting with color are on display. The students are challenged to pick at least two different colored items while learning shopping skills and receiving an on-site nutrition lesson.
“Students learn real-world skills and gain confidence by practicing choosing fresh produce for themselves and family members,” said Leslie Pring, Director of Nutrition Services at Twin Rivers USD. “You often hear heartwarming stories where the young students mention they are picking an item for their grandmother, parent or sister, or comment that they do not have that much food to eat at home and welcome the healthy additions.”
Enabled by grant funding through the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the district farmers markets help educate students on long-term benefits of a healthy diet and promote an overall healthier school environment. Districts have flexibility on how the FFVP program is implemented to meet those goals.
“The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program has been really rewarding, a staple of our nutrition education program and a highlight throughout our district.” Pring added that the program has existed within her district for more than a decade.
Most of the produce comes from within 75 miles of the school district to support the effort of offering locally-grown options. The Twin Rivers Unified School District serves more than five million meals each school year, averaging 20,000 lunches and 7,500 breakfasts daily.
“Food insecurity is huge in our district so the program is another avenue to get fresh produce to our students,” said Pring. “We try and offer produce that students may not be familiar with including pluots, apricots and plumbs, with strawberries and cucumbers ranking among the most popular items. We encourage students to choose three to five different items at the Farmers Market so they sample a variety of produce items.”
Young students at the 24 elementary schools across the Twin Rivers Unified School District are enjoying a valuable education in reading, math and science, but memories from visiting the annual campus Farmers Market is a catalyst in helping them make lifelong healthy eating choices.
