U.S. Apple awards Apples4Education grants

The U.S. Apple Association has awarded Apples4Education grants to four schools around the nation for the 2022-23 school year.

Each $4,000 grant provides supplemental student nutrition and exposes students to a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as teach students about healthy eating.

Schools receiving the grants this year are:

• Brunswick High School, Lawrenceville, Virginia.
• Clay Elementary School, Clay, West Virginia.
• Montour High School, McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
• Union Gap School, Union Gap, Washington.

More than 60 public schools across the country applied for an Apples4Ed grant. Applications were chosen by a panel of judges for need, student impact and longevity of program funding. Brunswick, Clay and Union Gap schools will use the funding to provide healthy snack pantries for students. Montour High School plans to use the funds for hydroponic tower gardens in the high school and local elementary school. The hydroponic tower gardens will be used to grow and

harvest food and will supply students with nutrient-dense snacks. U.S. Apple plans to award a fifth school a $4,000 grant prior to commencement of the 2022-23 school year.

“The lasting impact of COVID has left many students more reliant on school-provided meals,” U.S. Apple Association Vice President of Communications Tracy Grondine said in a news release. “All of the schools U.S. Apple awarded were in communities where many of the families live below the poverty line. The Apples4Ed grants will provide nourishment for students to help get them through the school day while also reinforcing a positive relationship with nutritious snacks.”

Research shows that fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins boosts energy, which in turn creates a better learning environment for students while sustaining their energy levels for after-school activities.

Applications for Apples4Ed funding for the 2023-24 school year will open in September and can be accessed at Apples4Ed.com. Winners will be announced in April and May 2023.