Fries face competition in Tennessee school cafeterias with $1.4M veggie grant

French fries and pizza may soon have more competition in school cafeterias in Tennessee.

Grants worth $1.4 million in public dollars are being used to spur fresh vegetable consumption at some Tennessee public schools next school year. Priority will be given to schools serving the highest percentages of economically disadvantaged students, according to information from the Tennessee Department of Education.

Funds provided by the United States Department of Agriculture and spent through the Tennessee DOE are intended for the purchase, preparation and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables for students in grade eight and below. Grants will be made available starting July 1, and can be used throughout the 2009-2010 school year.

The fresh fruits and vegetables are to be served throughout the school day. The money can’t be spent on canned, frozen, or vacuum-packed food.