A commitment to provide all students with the necessary skills to thrive as 21st century learners, workers, and citizens.
2512 George Mason Drive • P.O. Box 6038 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456-0038   757.263.1000 • 757.263.1240 TDD

January 2012 Newsletter

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District of Excellence in Child Nutrition
Served 8.48 million meals during 2011-2012 school year


Will Buying Fresh Fruits And Vegetables During Winter Break The Bank?

Winter has arrived and your family is begging to have fresh fruits and vegetables at the table, and you find yourself wondering, "Which fruits and vegetables won't empty my wallet?" Many people think that once winter arrives, the only options for produce are either canned or frozen. This is due to some increases in prices they see at the grocery store. But if you are aware of the seasonal fruits and vegetables and look more closely at those prices, you will find that there are a lot of inexpensive fresh fruits and vegetables. The winter season usually goes from about December 20 to March 22, and there are many wonderful and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables that are low in price during those months. Also, the meal ideas are endless; you can make a fruit salad, add some various vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower to a pasta salad or home-made pizza, or use them and some kale and chicken in a vegetable and protein soup. You can be as creative as you want, while still saving money.

Here's a list of various fruits and vegetables that are native to the winter season:

Fruit Month of Growth   Vegetable Month of Growth
Grapefruit December – February Broccoli December – March
Lemon January – February Brussels Sprout December – March
Orange December – February Cabbage December – February
Pears December Cauliflower December – March
Tangelos December – February Kale December – February
Tangerine December – January Leeks December – March
  Parsnip December
One fruit and two vegetables that are usually inexpensive all year round are: bananas, celery, and potatoes, respectively. Rutabagas December – March
Sweet Potato December
Turnips December – March


Food Service Mission
To provide students quality, nutritious meals at affordable prices


Last Modified on Thursday, October 11, 2012