Schools can provide lesson in profits, apple grower-shippers say

 With national attention turned toward a childhood obesity epidemic and increased focus on providing more fruits and vegetables as snack options on school menus, Eastern apple shippers say there are some lessons to be learned, as well as profits to be earned. “We’re big in the school program with pre-sliced apples and all the activities going on in the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and their apple purchasing,” said Jim Allen, president of the Fishers-based New York Apple Association.