Programs and Initiatives

Breakfast in the Classroom

On average, students who eat school breakfast have been shown to achieve 17.5% higher scores on standardized math tests and attend 1.5 more days of school per year (No Kid Hungry). Unfortunately, tight school bus timetables, late student arrivals and early class schedules can limit participation in traditional cafeteria breakfast programs.

Nutrition Services is finding creative ways to overcome these barriers. School breakfast participation is increasing through innovative delivery methods, such as grab-and-go service options, which allow students to quickly pick up their meal from the cafeteria during recess. Fremont Elementary has 12 teachers serving breakfast in the classroom so students can enjoy a healthy meal during morning announcements. - School Nutrition Association

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

The program is provided by our Nutrition Services Department and funded through the USDA Department of Agriculture Farm Bill. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides funding to participating schools so they can provide a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables to children throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options.

The goals of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) are to:

Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience.
Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption.
Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health.

Participating Elementary Sites:

Fremont Elementary
Gracey Elementary
Muir Elementary (new)
Reyes Elementary
Sheehy Elementary
Stefani Elementary (new)
Stowell Elementary
Wright Elementary

FFVP Fact Sheet

FFVP Fact Sheet - Spanish

Farmers Market on Campus

SNS has partnered with Food 4 Thought, a local company that that in turn partners with small family-owned local farmers, to host a “Farmers Market” at our elementary schools. Our students are able to spend play money and "purchase" 100% California grown, sticker free, from tree-to-box fruit and vegetables to take home to their families.

Students will also have a nutrition and wellness session emphasizing healthy eating and exercise. This win-win-win program not only helps the family farms, but reinforces lessons the kids are learning about math, the value of money, and how it can buy nutritional items.

Super Snacks 4 After School Programs

By the time students arrive at their after school programs, lunch is a distant memory. Traditionally, snacks were provided, but children need more sustenance to help get them through their afternoon activities. Our "Super Snack" program, funded through the federal Child & Adult Care Food Program, provides nutritious meals at no cost to students enrolled in our after school programs.

We are proud to offer full servings of fruits and vegetables as well as a serving of protein, grain and milk.

Merced Sun-Star article: Super Snacks Now Available for Students in MCSD Extended Day Programs

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In This Section

Programs and Initiatives

Breakfast in the Classroom

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Farmers Market on Campus

Super Snacks 4 After School Programs

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