Fruits and vegetables. They are full of nutrients and taste great, so why is it so hard to get children to eat them? We have been working hard to solve the mystery. Here at Collier County Public Schools, we are fortunate to partner with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Each of our Immokalee elementary schools offer a fresh fruit or vegetable to students three times each week to get them to try something new—and something healthy. According to Nutrition Services Director, Dawn Houser, “We have found that children are much more prone to try a new fruit or vegetable if all of their peers and their teacher are trying the product together.” An added benefit of the program is that the school district uses as many local farmers as possible. “We try to focus on fresh locally grown produce working with Florida farmers. It’s a win/win for our children and the farmers!” With health and nutrition top of mind, our annual CCPS 5K Walk-Run is only a few weeks away. We hope everyone will join us on Saturday, December 1, at 8:00 am. The event begins at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center (5775 Osceola Trail) in Naples and ends on the Barron Collier High School football track. The Barron Collier Drum Line plans to get the party started, while our local high school cheerleaders and mascots will cheer you on along the course. For more information, please visit www.collierschools.com/ccps5k. And remember, all proceeds benefit the wellness initiatives at each of our schools. Hope to see you on the track!