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Brentwood schools put new focus on fruit

When the recess bell rings at Marsh Creek Elementary School, students run to the outdoor picnic tables to get their fresh fruit of the day. On their way, they are surprised to see “Bobby Banana” and “Penelope Pineapple” greeting them at the front of the line.

Although the soft character versions of some of their favorite fruits are animated and friendly, they are focused on getting the kids to eat the strawberries that the food services staff are handing out. Strawberries have become a favorite on the Brentwood campus, but students have also sampled fresh, local pluots, watermelon, nectarines, oranges and more.

“I want big strawberries,” requested first-grader Erica White.

About 300 to 400 students in the Brentwood school district are taking part in the pilot fresh fruit and vegetable program at Marsh Creek and Edna Hill Middle School this year. They are able to sample a variety of produce at no cost.

“We are trying to get students to eat local fresh fruit to energize before recess,” the district’s food services coordinator, Phyllis Thivierge, said.

At Marsh Creek, each day students either get different fruits and vegetables before recess or during recess depending on the day. At Edna Hill, the students generally pick up fruit on their way to class in the mornings.

“Some kids get to school and have not had breakfast in the mornings. Now they can grab fruit on their way to class,” Thivierge said.

The food services

staff also keeps fruit out and available all day for students. The district would like to expand the program next year to all of its campuses.

“The program is growing and the word is getting out,” Thivierge said.

While waiting in line for their handful of strawberries, Marsh Creek students said that the fruit is always fresh. Some said that they would like to see peaches, pineapple, cherries, mangoes and grapes offered in the future.

“They are juicy and sweet,” said third-grader Brooklyn Martinez of her snack of strawberries.

In response to the program, Marsh Creek administrators said that they are seeing fewer packaged chips, cookies and other not so healthy snack foods during recess.

“Whatever fruit we give them, they are willing to try. They like everything,” said Marsh Creek Principal Teresa D’Alfonsi. “It exposes them to new produce and it is a burst of healthy energy.”

Once energized from the fruit, Marsh Creek students linger to greet “Bobby Banana” and “Penelope Pineapple.” Some students go back for another serving of fruit.

Thivierge said that the food services department has tried to keep the produce offerings seasonal. Stone fruits, for example, have been popular in the past few weeks since they are in season, she said.

They also hope to introduce students to exotic fruits such as blood oranges and Asian pears. Cherry tomatoes were handed out recently and string beans will be offered soon, Thivierge said.

“One of our goals is to experiment this year with the program,” said Scott Anderson, the district’s chief business official.

The district uses several different organic produce vendors and also gets fruit from some Brentwood farms. Thivierge said it is always a priority to buy local and they try to get smaller fruit, which means less waste and better deals.

“All of the fruit is really good,” fifth-grader Madalyn Sandoval said. “It is a great way to eat healthy.”