Students at 143 North Carolina elementary schools will enjoy more fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day next year thanks to a $4 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant will be used by schools’ staff to promote healthier food choices through the purchase of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as daily snacks for students and by helping teachers incorporate nutrition education in lesson plans. This is the ninth consecutive year North Carolina has participated in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. To read more, as well as access a list of participating schools, please visit www.ncpublicschools.org and click on the appropriate link under “News.”