WHEELING, W.Va. — Ohio County Schools have been awarded a $1.5 million grant aimed at enhancing student lunch programs by increasing the availability of fruits and vegetables. The funding will facilitate collaboration with the Child Nutrition Office to determine menu options, providing students with a broader selection of fresh produce.
Renee Griffin, Director of Child Nutrition for Ohio County Schools, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “Many students are used to a small number of fruits and vegetables to try; this way we like to give them significantly more access to a wider variety,” she said.
Griffin also highlighted the health benefits of the program. “Getting more fresh produce into our schools is paramount, we know the helpful benefits of more fruits and vegetables in the diet, plus we have to adhere to the USDA national school lunch and the school breakfast program,” she said.
The grant, which represents about one-third of the funding Ohio County Schools receive in meal reimbursement based on need, will be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year.
