Kids get carrots over candy for fundraisers

Some Manitoba students will be selling fresh vegetables instead of sweets this fall to raise money for school projects.

Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau says it's a way to encourage people to eat more nutritious foods.

A program called Farm to School Healthy Choice Fundraiser will provide locally grown carrots, onions and potatoes in a recyclable shopping bag that students can sell for $10, while a $20 version will also include parsnips and cabbage.

A recent pilot project that involved 66 schools raised almost $55,000 in profit from the sale of three semi-trailer loads of veggies.

The program will be available to more than 850 schools across th province.

It is a joint program of the province, the Manitoba Association of Home Economists and Peak of the Market, a grower-owned vegetable supplier.