The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides students in participating elementary schools with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options throughout the school day. FFVP can be an important catalyst for change in combating childhood obesity by increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Selected schools receive reimbursement for the cost of providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be served separately from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school during the official school day. Corresponding nutrition education is critical to the program’s success.

To be selected for the FFVP, a school must:

  • Be an elementary school;
  • Represent the highest percentage of students certified for free and reduced price meals;
  • Participate in the NSLP; and
  • Complete an annual application for the FFVP.

Each year the State receives a grant from the USDA specifically allocated for the FFVP. The State must then select schools to participate, with priority given to schools with the highest free and reduced price enrollment, and distribute the funds in a manner that results in a per-student allocation of $50-$75 per year.

Within basic requirements, the FFVP gives schools the flexibility to develop their own implementation plan and involve teachers and other school staff. Each school decides when, where and how to implement the FFVP.

FFVP Resources

Nutrition Education Activity Sheets