Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) will be available for the 2018-19 school year through the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-234). The purpose of the program is to increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary school children. Nebraska will be awarded a specified amount for the grant period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The grant will be awarded to schools in two parts: July 1 – September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019.

Overview of USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

To be eligible to participate, an elementary school, as defined in Rule 10 & 14 must have 50 percent or more of their students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. To the maximum extent possible, priority will be given to schools with the highest percentage of low-income students. Selected schools must offer free fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day a minimum of two days per week or more and integrate the program with other wellness activities. Funding to each school will be based on the school’s enrollment for the participating grades.