Program supplies fresh produce to students
Shaw Middle School students will get free fruits and vegetables again this year through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The $60,000 grant will pay for the delivery of fresh produce to the school from local growers, available to students twice a day.
Spokane Public Schools officials reapplied for the grant after it was awarded to the school last year, said Principal Christine Lynch. The grant is awarded for one year, but schools are welcome to apply a second time.
“The students have already begun asking about it,” Lynch said Tuesday, the first day of school for Spokane students.
The produce will be distributed starting on Monday, Lynch said.
The produce is delivered from Green Bluff Growers and is available to students in the morning and at lunch. Schools are selected in part based on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Last year, 75 percent of Shaw students qualified as low income.
“There’s a health component to the grant,” Lynch said.
During home base at the start of the day, students put together baskets for the classroom. At lunch, a cart is wheeled out for students to choose from.
In addition to the standard fare, such as oranges and applies, fruit items include blueberries and kiwi, Lynch said.
The grant also pays for students to take a field trip to Green Bluff each year to pick produce and learn about agriculture.
Shaw staff members also use the fresh produce in an after-school activities program, Food Sense, that teaches students about healthy living.
“We had broccoli, and stir-fry items like carrots, and demonstrated how to put the vegetables together in a nutritious but fun manner for a meal,” Lynch said.
LC fundraiser
The Lewis and Clark High School Tiger Drill Team will hold its annual garage sale fundraiser Saturday and Sunday.
The sale will be held at 1124 E. Plateau Road, near Hutton Elementary School. The sale begins Saturday from 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. and continues Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Proceeds from the sale will help support the drill team with various performances throughout the community each year.