ACPS Hosts National Leaders to Highlight School Nutrition and After-School Meal Programs

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) hosted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School—a visit that was specifically requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The visit offered a unique opportunity to showcase our school nutrition program and the important work happening through the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, which provides nutritious after-school meals to our students. During the visit, we proudly highlighted how these programs support student well-being and academic success across ACPS.

We also had the opportunity to share the critical role of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which allows 12 of our schools to offer free meals to all students—eliminating barriers and ensuring students have access to healthy food.

In addition, we provided an overview of the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program (FFVP) offered at three CEP-eligible elementary schools, including Ferdinand T. Day. This initiative gives students the chance to try fresh produce and participate in engaging nutrition education experiences that promote lifelong healthy habits.

We are hopeful that this visit further reinforces the importance of continuing strong federal support for universal school meals and after-school nutrition programs.