USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides elementary students a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to students during the school day.

The goal of the FFVP is to:

Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience.
Increase student’s fruit and vegetable consumption.
Make a difference in student’s diets to impact their present and future health.
This program is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping students learn more healthful eating habits. The FFVP introduces students to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the federal level. At the state level, the FFVP is administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Participating schools receive reimbursement of the cost of offering free fresh fruits and vegetables to students throughout the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school during the official school day.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Fact Sheet

If you have any questions about the program please call the Food Service Department at 360-426-2533.