The blueberry, which was first cultivated in Whitesbog, became the official state
fruit in 2004. In 2003, fourth graders at Veteran’sMemorial Elementary School
in Brick campaigned to make the blueberry the official state fruit. The students
had their idea introduced aslegislation and conducted a lobbying campaign to see
its passage,including media interviews, a letter and petition drive, presentationsto
local governing bodies, and a trip to the state’s blueberry festivalin Whitesbog.
In addition, the classes traveled to Trenton to makepresentations before Senate
and Assembly Committees. Elizabeth ColemanWhite developed the nation's first cultivated
blueberry.
