THE ONE-MINUTE ACTIVIST: MAY 2012

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

I am writing to express my strong support for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), and to thank you for your efforts to strengthen and improve the program's effectiveness.  The FFVP increases low-income elementary school students' fruit and vegetable consumption, helps students develop healthier eating habits, and promotes good health. The FFVP is effective, popular with schools and students, and helps create healthier school food environments.

 As you finalize your proposal, I ask that you include the following:

 *Schools should implement the program at least four days per week;

*Schools should incorporate nutrition education into the program;

*Schools should serve only fresh or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in the program;

*States should provide schools with the training and technical assistance necessary to operate the program efficiently; and

*States should continue to conduct outreach to schools serving the highest percentage of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program can and does help improve students' diets, which in turn will reduce their risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other serious chronic diseases.  I look forward to final FFVP rules that further strengthen the program and continue to support good nutrition and health in children.