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News Releases » Two Central Coast Elementary Schools Host Friday Farmers Market Thanks to Federally-Funded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Two Central Coast Elementary Schools Host Friday Farmers Market Thanks to Federally-Funded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2022


Contact: 

Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement

831-706-6971

 

Two Central Coast Elementary Schools Host Friday Farmers Market

Thanks to Federally-Funded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Media Invited to Cover; Colorful Visuals; Schedule Provided
Please RSVP so we can coordinate student photo releases

 

Monterey, CA – Two Monterey Peninsula Unified School District schools - Del Rey Woods Elementary School and Highland Elementary School - will host a Farmer’s Market on Friday, April 15, 2022. This will be the first time since 2019 that the schools have hosted markets as the program was halted in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. The Farmers Markets are made available as part of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant. 

This Friday approximately 708 students will visit a Farmer’s Market in two MPUSD schools as noted below. Loren Werth heads Food 4 Thought, LLC, “a company that brings the highest quality fresh produce into schools to help students eat healthy and learn better” will lead the markets. While visiting the markets, students learn about farming and local produce and, with their school logo bucks will purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables to include: 

  • Minneola Tangelos - Guzman Farms in Exeter
  • Golden Nugget Tangerines - Castanellos Farms in Dinuba
  • Pink Lady Apples - Smit Farms in Linden
  • Cara Cara Oranges - Arnett Farms in Fresno
  • Organic Rainbow Carrots - Babe Farms in Santa Maria 

“This is an exciting program because it allows us to introduce students to a variety of fruits and vegetables, many that they may not have the opportunity to try otherwise,” said Micha James, Director, Nutrition Services, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.

Del Rey Woods Elementary
1281 Plumas Avenue, Seaside, CA

  • 8:25 – 9:00 a.m. 3rd and 4th grades
  • 9:00 – 9:35 a.m. Transitional Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades
  • 9:35 – 10:10 a.m. 5th and 6th grades
  • 10:10 – 10:40 a.m. Kindergarten

Highland Elementary
1650 Sonoma Avenue, Seaside, CA

  • 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. 1st and 2nd grades
  • 12:45 – 1:10 p.m. 3rd grade
  • 1:10 – 1:40 p.m. Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten
  • 1:40 – 2:25 p.m. 4th - 6th grades

 

“Highland Elementary School students love to eat healthy food when they have access to it. FFVP provides an opportunity that many students do not have. My students cheered when I announced the Farmer’s Market was coming,” said Hecate Rosewood, Principal, Highland Elementary School.

According to the USDA website, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The FFVP also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education.

Schools must operate the National School Lunch Program in order to participate in the FFVP. Approximately 61% percent of MPUSD students are eligible for the national free and reduced meal program. (or This year, all MPUSD students qualify to participate in the national free and reduced meal program. This program allows students to access breakfast and lunch at no cost to families.)

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About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District

 

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is home to approximately 9,600 students in grades transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. The district also houses preschool and adult education. The district is built on a solid foundation of effective instruction, positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership. The district is nestled along the Monterey Bay, and stretches from the city of Marina to the north to the city of Monterey to the south, and encompasses the communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City and Seaside.