The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program operates in all 50 states. Prioritizing schools with low-income students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the program aims to make fresh produce available to elementary school kids. Some 210 New Jersey schools participated in this year’s FFVP, a record-high number. And one New Jersey school was selected for a first-place prize in the program: Nicholas LaCorte-Peterstown School No. 3 in Elizabeth.  

The school was awarded a trophy for its well-integrated wellness programs that helped students learn about the impacts of healthy eating while also celebrating farmers who grow their foods. The school has a farm stand — allowing students to pick their own fruit or vegetables throughout the day. 

New Jersey’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program received $5.6 million from the USDA this year, enough to provide fresh produce and nutritional education to 100,000 students in 54 districts throughout 16 counties. 

“Consuming healthy fresh fruits and vegetables has become a habit for many of our students because of this program,” said LaCorte-Peterstown School No. 3 Principal Jennifer Campel in a statement. “It has contributed to them understanding the value of eating nutritious foods on a regular basis as they learn how a good diet can have positive effects on their classroom performance as well as in extra-curricular activities.”