At a celebratory event on May 7, U.S. Apple Association awarded students at the Michigan School for the Deaf a $4,000 Apples4Ed grant. According to a news release, the Michigan school was selected for its proposal to create a healthy snack “fueling station” for students living on campus.

“The Michigan School for the Deaf rose above other Apples4Ed applicants because of its innovative and fun approach to encourage healthy snacking,” said Diane Smith, Michigan Apple Committee executive director and USApple board member, who presented the award to the school.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell also attended the event. “Apples4Ed and the efforts here at the school are great examples of what can happen when you unleash the power of partnership and creativity to address a common goal of empowering kids to lead healthier lives,” said McDowell. “It’s great to see a program that supports increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains, which not only helps students but also supports farm families.”

Apples4Ed is a program created by USApple, in partnership with the School Nutrition Association and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, to financially support schools that encourage daily consumption of healthy, balanced snacks that positively impact student achievement, focus and fitness.

Other award recipients under the 2019 Apples4Ed program were Robert W. Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland, the Rensselaer City School District in New York, NOVA High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Winans Elementary School in Livingston, Montana.

Applications for 2020 Apples4Ed funding will open in August. To learn more, visit apples4ed.com.

—by Jonelle Mejica