School News
Commissioner Staples rewards students through fruit and vegetable competition
By Texas Department of Agriculture
Mar 24, 2008

Students who eat the most fruits and vegetables are eligible to win cool prizes

AUSTIN – In an effort to encourage young students to eat more fruits and vegetables at school, the Texas Department of Agriculture has created a contest in conjunction with Fruit and Vegetable Month in April. The contest is open to schoolchildren statewide in grades K-2.

“This contest serves to remind children and their parents that fruits and vegetables are delicious and healthful parts of any diet,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. “Getting children to eat fruits and vegetables today can lead to a lifetime of smart eating habits and overall nutrition.”

At the beginning of April, students will receive a fun calendar on which they may place a sticker for each day they eat a fruit or vegetable at school breakfast or lunch. Students will also color cartoons on the back of the calendar to be eligible for the contest.

Fifteen winning students will receive prizes based on artistic creativity and the amount of fruits and vegetables they consume. The five Texas schools with the highest percentage of students participating will win a back-to-school fruit and vegetable party in August 2008. Prizes and support for the party will be provided by H-E-B and United Supermarkets.

“Fruits and vegetables are essential to good health, and one’s eating habits begin early in life,” John McClung, president of the Texas Produce Association, said. “We are therefore delighted that TDA is engaging in the process in such a creative manner.”

During the state’s last legislative session, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., of Brownsville authored the bill designating April as “Fruit and Vegetable Month” in Texas. “This contest, in conjunction with my bill, will positively expand our children's awareness of fruits and vegetables, while encouraging them to replace junk food with more nutritious choices,” Sen. Lucio said.

For more information about the Texas Department of Agriculture’s child nutrition program, visit www.squaremeals.org.