BACKGROUND:During the 2004-2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Child Nutrition, initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetable snacks to students during the school day. This article describes the first-year implementation of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program.METHODS:The process evaluation addressed where, when, and how produce was distributed; what was distributed; challenges and successes; and recommended modifications. Five of the 25 program schools were selected to participate in the evaluation; selection was based on grade levels served and demographic characteristics. Data were collected from program staff (N = 11) and administrators (N = 6) via interviews and logs; student (N = 42) and parent (N = 19) focus groups; student questionnaires (N = 660); and school staff questionnaires (N = 207).RESULTS:Distributing fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at school was well received by staff and students. Most schools distributed the fresh fruit and vegetable snacks at morning break in classrooms or a central courtyard. Twenty-two types of fresh fruit, 4 types of dried fruit, and 7 types of vegetables were served to students during the program year. Commonly distributed fruit included apples, oranges, pears, bananas, and tangerines. Carrots were the staple vegetable, followed by celery. Key challenges included getting students to try new foods and receiving the produce in a timely manner without spoiling. Main successes included seeing students try new fruit and vegetable snacks, having the program run smoothly, and teacher support.CONCLUSIONS:The program fit well within the school structure and could be an effective component of a multifaceted approach to enhancing child nutrition.

Objectives. Consumption of fruit and vegetables among children is generally below recommended levels. This evaluation addressed two questions: ( 1) To what extent did children's attitudes toward, familiarity with, and preferences for fruit and vegetables change during the school year? and ( 2) To what extent did children's consumption of fruit and vegetables change during the school year? Methods. During the 2004–2005 school year, the Mississippi Department of Education, Child Nutrition Programs initiated a pilot program to distribute free fruit and vegetables to students (kindergarten through 12th grade) during the school day. Data were collected in 2004–2005 within a one-group pretest/posttest design using a self-report questionnaire ( n=725) and 24-hour dietary recalls ( n=207) with a sample of students from five schools in Mississippi. Data were analyzed in 2006–2007. Results. Results showed greater familiarity with fruit and vegetables at all grade levels ( p<0.05) and increased preferences for fruit among eighth- and 10th-grade students ( p<0.01). Eighth-grade students also reported more positive attitudes toward eating fruit and vegetables ( p<0.01), increased perceived self-efficacy to eat more fruit ( p<0.01), and increased willingness to try new fruit. Finally, results showed increased consumption of fruit, but not vegetables, among eighth- and 10th-grade students ( p<0.001). Conclusions. Distributing free fruit and vegetables at school may be a viable component of a more comprehensive approach for improving students' nutrition attitudes and behaviors. More program emphasis is needed on ways to promote vegetable consumption.