Pickerington Local Schools Receives First-Time Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program for Eight Schools

Fresh Opportunities: Eight Pickerington Local Schools Awarded Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program 

June 25, 2026, Pickerington OH - Pickerington Local Schools is proud to announce that eight of the District's 11 eligible schools have been awarded grants through the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the upcoming school year. This marks the first time Pickerington Local Schools' Food Services Department has received this exciting opportunity, bringing even more healthy choices to students throughout the school day.

Through the program, students at the following schools will receive free fresh fruits and vegetables as an afternoon snack, giving them another opportunity to enjoy nutritious foods before heading home each day.

Participating schools include:

• Fairfield Elementary School
• Heritage Elementary School
• Pickerington Elementary School
• Tussing Elementary School
• Violet Elementary School
• Harmon Middle School
• Ridgeview Middle School
• Pickerington Kindergarten Center

The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered in Ohio through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The program encourages children to develop healthy eating habits by providing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables outside of regular breakfast and lunch service. By expanding students' exposure to nutritious foods, the program helps encourage lifelong healthy choices while supporting student wellness and success.

"I am excited for the opportunity to provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to our younger population," said Food Services Supervisor Suzie Gerhardt. "My goal is to introduce students to fruits and vegetables that are not typically offered through our regular school breakfast and lunch programs. By expanding their exposure to new and diverse produce options, I hope to encourage healthy eating habits and help students develop an appreciation for a wider variety of nutritious foods."

The additional afternoon snack service provides students with another opportunity to enjoy fresh produce during the school day while reinforcing the importance of healthy eating habits.

"This is an exciting milestone for our Food Services Department and participating schools," Gerhardt added. "We're looking forward to introducing new flavors, encouraging healthy choices, and helping students discover fruits and vegetables they may not have tried before."

Pickerington Local Schools is committed to supporting the whole child by providing nutritious meals and creating healthy learning environments where every student can thrive.

To extend the excitement beyond the cafeteria, the Food Services Department will spotlight a Seasonal Fruit or Vegetable of the Month throughout the school year, sharing recipes and creative serving ideas for families to try at home. Families and community members will also be invited to share their own favorite recipes featuring the monthly produce. Those contributions, along with recipes and tips from the Food Services team, will be compiled into a cookbook that will be shared with Pickerington Local Schools families and staff at the end of the school year, celebrating healthy eating and the many ways our community enjoys fresh, nutritious foods.