USA - South Dakota is intensifying a program which offers vegetables and fruits to students on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program currently serves about 4,000 students in 10 schools at Pine Ridge. The state will add another 25 sites for the school year 2008-09 from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, increasing the number of students served to nearly 10,000.

The program aimed to increase students’ consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables; students introduced to a variety of fresh veggies and fruits will encourage them to make healthier choices in their diets. Participating agencies receive funds to provide fruits and vegetables to their students throughout the school day. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the South Dakota Department of Education's Child and Adult Nutrition Services.