Due to the passage of a new farm bill, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will increase school district commodity entitlements for SY 2002-2003. The Department of Defense (DOD) has offered Arkansas School Districts the opportunity to participate in the "Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" (FFV) program currently offered in a number of states. A portion of the increased entitlement is earmarked for the FFV program.
In an effort to provide district child nutrition directors and superintendents more information about the program, Betty McGraw, DOD has been asked to speak at the Child Nutrition Directors Conference, from 8:45 to 11:15 am on August 1, 2002. To register for this meeting or to find out additional details about the Directors meeting in Hot Springs on July 31 through August 1, 2002, refer to ADE Director's Memo # IA-02-029.
This new program will allow schools to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables using USDA entitlement funds. Should a district decide to participate in this program, the district's "fair share" of the additional entitlement will be provided when the SY2002-03 entitlements statements are distributed to the districts.
The Child Nutrition Unit (CNU), Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) recommends that district directors attend the Fresh Produce Training session on August 1, 2002 prior to completing the Commodity Form for the August 15th Department of Human Services (DHS) deadline.