In School Implementation
NFVP Implementation Funds are provided to participating schools to administer the program.
Learn more about how your school can spend the Implementation Funds.
Tips to Enhance Program Delivery
- Avoid serving poor quality produce which may result in a negative experience and affect a child’s willingness to try that item in the future.
- Include food literacy whenever possible, especially during the service of fresh vegetables and fruit, and even on days when the program is not offered.
- Children are more likely to eat two halves or four quarter pieces than one whole piece. If time and facilities allow, consider slicing whole items for an enticing snack.
- Children are more likely to eat a disliked vegetable or fruit when they see one of their friends or family members eating it. Be a positive role model!
- It may take two, three or even 10 tries before a child gets used to the taste of a new item. Don’t give up if the child does not like it immediately.
- Children are more likely to try something when they have been involved in preparation. Consider involving students in program delivery to pique interest and excitement and create engaging learning opportunities.
Storage and Refrigeration Specifications
The perishable fruits and vegetables must be refrigerated in the designated refrigerator upon arrival to your school and must remain refrigerated until delivery to classrooms.
It would be advisable to serve the most perishable item (i.e. pre-sliced items) at the beginning of the week and leave the non-perishable items for the last serving day.
To ensure proper distribution of cold air produced by the evaporator, the air must be allowed to move throughout the food compartment. Proper air circulation can be obtained by leaving gaps so the air can flow from shelf to shelf. This occurs with most household use as randomly shaped articles are placed on each shelf and gaps are created between these articles. However, if large flat boxes or products that can be packed tightly together such as produce boxes are being stacked in an “All Refrigerator” it is important to leave space for airflow. It is recommended that a minimum of 1 inch be left on the sides and back for air flow. It is especially important to provide the 1-inch space beside the drain trough. If product is stacked tightly against the trough it will stop most air circulation and will result in warmer than required temperatures at the bottom.
Resources
The goal of the NFVP is to positively influence children and build a strong foundation to live a healthy lifestyle, alongside weekly fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries. This is achieved through healthy eating and physical activity promotion.
In School and At Home
- The Walk Broc and Roll is a 4 week physical activity challenge created to support youth, in JK to Grade 8, develop positive relationships with food and physical activity. This challenge also includes take-home food literacy activities for students and their families. Contact nvfp@tbdhu.com for more information.
- Want to be more active with your child at home?
- Check out Active for Life’s website with a printable “recipe” for an active day. Includes a tracking sheet and a resource for parents on physical literacy.
- This is a great way to start!
For Further Information
If you have any questions, please contact Victoria Pullia, Program Lead, at (807) 625-5962 or Toll-Free at 1-888-294-6630 or email NFVP@tbdhu.com.