As kids embrace the first weeks of summer vacation, nutritious school lunches and snacks likely are the furthest things from their minds. Local educators, however, already are planning for healthy snacks next year.When local students return to their classrooms and cafeterias in August, it will be easier for them to eat their fruits and veggies.All four elementary schools in Powell's district — Parkside, Westside, Southside and Clark — received fresh fruit and vegetable grants for the next school year.The USDA program provides grant money for schools to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to all children outside regular meal times.This aim to improve children's diets and overall health is a welcome initiative, especially given that childhood obesity has reached alarming levels in recent years. Nearly 20 percent of American children ages 6-11 are obese, according to the 2007-08 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. By comparison, between 1976 and 1980, the obesity rate among 6- to 11-year-olds was just 6.5 percent.Children who struggle with weight issues are more likely to struggle with health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It's also difficult for obese children to shed weight as they reach adolescence and adulthood.By providing fresh fruit and vegetables for students during the school day, children will have healthy alternatives to sugary, unhealthy snacks — and, hopefully, develop an appreciation for apples, oranges, carrots and the like at a young age.With the USDA grant money in place, it will be up to kids — as well as their parents and educators — to make sure they actually eat the fresh fruit and vegetables provided next school year.

As kids embrace the first weeks of summer vacation, nutritious school lunches and snacks likely are the furthest things from their minds. Local educators, however, already are planning for healthy snacks next year.

When local students return to their classrooms and cafeterias in August, it will be easier for them to eat their fruits and veggies.

All four elementary schools in Powell's district — Parkside, Westside, Southside and Clark — received fresh fruit and vegetable grants for the next school year.

The USDA program provides grant money for schools to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to all children outside regular meal times.

This aim to improve children's diets and overall health is a welcome initiative, especially given that childhood obesity has reached alarming levels in recent years.

Nearly 20 percent of American children ages 6-11 are obese, according to the 2007-08 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. By comparison, between 1976 and 1980, the obesity rate among 6- to 11-year-olds was just 6.5 percent.

Children who struggle with weight issues are more likely to struggle with health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It's also difficult for obese children to shed weight as they reach adolescence and adulthood.

By providing fresh fruit and vegetables for students during the school day, children will have healthy alternatives to sugary, unhealthy snacks — and, hopefully, develop an appreciation for apples, oranges, carrots and the like at a young age.

With the USDA grant money in place, it will be up to kids — as well as their parents and educators — to make sure they actually eat the fresh fruit and vegetables provided next school year.