A program that begins next Tuesday will train both palates and brains of students in three USD 308 elementary schools.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program begins at Lincoln Elementary School, Faris Elementary School and Hutchinson Magnet School at Allen. The federally funded program will be in 168 Kansas elementary schools this year.

The program is designed to increase a student’s consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, including produce the child may not previously have eaten, said Jennifer Gardner, director of nutrition services for USD 308. Locally, the Nutrition Services Department works with Smith’s Market to get the best variety of in-season fruits and vegetables as well as offering what many students might consider “exotic” foods such as kumquat or pomegranate.

The fresh produce is served as snacks during the morning or afternoon. Additionally, the program requires the fruits and vegetables to be kept in whole form and not frozen or canned.

The program also includes fact sheets on the fruits and vegetables that can be sent home with students to share with their families.

The students will continue to get fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the regular school meal programs at the schools.