The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service today hailed the department's sliced apple pilot program as a success.

"From the feedback we've received, the fresh-cut pilot program is a tremendous achievement and extraordinarily popular with the schools," said Robert C. Keeney, deputy administrator for AMS's Fruit and Vegetable Programs.

Pavel Matustik, chief administrative officer of the Santa Clara Valley School Food Services Agency near Los Angeles, added, "It's one of the best things that USDA has done. It's wonderful because the kids love it, it’s well-spent money, it's healthy and it helps our program. There is no negative."

"This is certainly exciting news, as we've been hearing of the same success from California school officials," said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice president of nutrition and health. "We have collaborated closely with AMS and the fresh-cut apple industry for several years on this pilot program and our goal is to have fresh-cut apples and baby carrots available to all schools through the AMS program by the end of this school year, and to see AMS expand the program to include other fresh-cut fruits and vegetables that are popular with kids."

In March 2009, USDA introduced a pilot program to school districts in five states - California, Michigan, North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania - that provided students with fresh-cut apple slices. Apples were processed and packaged into single-serve, 2-ounce bags, similar to those found in children's meals at major fast-food restaurants.

"Because of that success, we're planning to expand the program to more states this school year," Keeney said. "Additionally, we've been involved in discussions with the Food and Nutrition Service and industry experts to introduce baby carrots during the 2009-2010 school year."