October 15, 2008
PASSAIC—U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today visited the William B. Cruise Memorial School in the City of Passaic with Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and New Jersey Agriculture Secretary, Charles M. Kuperas, to launch the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVSP) in New Jersey.
Pascrell, a former teacher and champion for childhood nutrition, recently sent a bipartisan request from New Jersey's congressional delegation to the congressional appropriations committees requesting an expansion of the FFVSP to $225 million per year. (A copy of the letter is attached)
Citing an expansion of the program into New Jersey and other states for the first time, Pascrell was pleased with the $1 million allocated to the Garden State in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill was enacted into law after Congress overrode a Presidential veto in June.
"I am excited to introduce this exciting new nutritional program for New Jersey's children right here in Passaic City," stated Pascrell. "New Jersey's children will be the primary beneficiary of this program, but they won't be the only ones to gain. This new federal program will provide a new market for New Jersey farmers and strengthen the Garden State's agriculture industry and economy."
"Without the hard work of our U.S. Senators and the rest of New Jersey's congressional delegation to include important nutritional programs in the 2008 Farm Bill, these students wouldn't have the opportunity to try these Macintosh apples, grown by New Jersey farmers," states Secretary Kuperas. "We want children to know the nutritious food options that are available. By exposing them to these foods early, we hope they will continue making healthy food choices throughout their lives."
Of the ninety-eight schools to apply for the program, the William B. Cruise Memorial School is one of only thirty-three schools in New Jersey to be selected to participate in the program for the 2008-2009 school year. Participation in the program requires schools to have 50 percent or more of the students eligible for free or reduced priced meals. It also requires schools to make a commitment to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables and to partner with outside organizations to enhance nutritional education.
October 13-17th marks National School Lunch Week.
"This investment in locally grown fresh produce for primarily low-income students is a common sense approach to a number of our state's healthcare, education and economic challenges. It is a win in our fight to slow the childhood obesity epidemic that is weighing on healthcare costs. It is a win for the local farmer looking to expand business opportunities. It is a win for thousands of low-income families that simply can't afford fresh fruit and vegetables for their children each week. I am proud to spend this National School Lunch Week launching such a worthy program right here in New Jersey," concluded Pascrell.
