Fresh fruits, vegetables for 188 Illinois schools

SPRINGFIELD — Students in 188 Illinois schools will get fresh fruits and vegetables to eat this school year.

The Illinois State Board of Education said Wednesday the schools will participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The federally funded program would provide fresh produce throughout the school day.

The Illinois schools will share about $3.3 million or about $50 per student.

State officials say the goal is to expose students to healthy eating habits.

Illinois state education superintendent Christopher Koch said incorporating fruits and vegetables daily “makes it more likely that students will develop good eating habits.”