Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a grant opportunity for schools to provide children with fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost during the school day. The goal of the program is to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables among school-aged children, educate students about the benefits of fruits and vegetables, and expose them to new varieties.

Teaching children healthful eating habits may help promote a healthy school environment, improve student health, and help combat childhood obesity. The FFVP introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample. It also encourages schools to develop partnerships at the state and local level for support in implementing and operating the program.

How to Apply

Elementary schools are selected for the FFVP annually through the online application process. Priority is given to schools with the highest free and reduced enrollment. Interested schools must submit a completed application by the deadlines below.

Determine Eligibility

To determine eligibility, SFAs must use the following resources:

The most recent PK-12 Free and Reduced Enrollment & Percent Data available on the CDE Pupil Membership webpage
For CEP elementary schools: a school's individual Identified Student Percentage (ISP) multiplied by 1.6.

To be eligible you must:

Be an elementary school
Begin FFVP operations at the start of the school year
Participate in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program.
Have 50%, or more, students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Preference will be given to those schools with the highest eligibility percentage. Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) elementary schools may qualify for FFVP by using the school's individual Identified Student Percentage (ISP) multiplied by 1.6. A school's individual ISP must be at least 31.25% to qualify for FFVP.

Application Instructions

Use the following resources to assist with the application.

Download FFVP Application Instructions

View FFVP Handbook

Steps to Apply:

Download and follow the Application Instructions above
Market and promote the FFVP to eligible elementary schools
Gain support and buy-in from teachers, staff and principals and/or superintendents
Establish an implementation plan that includes service methods and frequency, integration of nutrition education, FFVP marketing and promotion and overall program administration and monitoring