Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
Overview
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. Elementary schools with a free and reduced-priced eligibility of 50%, or Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) equivalent, or higher may apply for this grant opportunity each year.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant for School Year 2026-27
Application Period: March 12-April 10, 2026
Pending receipt of funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grants will be available for the 2026-27 school year. The level of funds provided to any one school depends on the school’s enrollment and the available funding provided by the USDA. Multiple school sites may apply to receive funding; however, a separate application for each site is required.
Funds can be used to:
- Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to be served to all students during the school day, at a time other than breakfast and lunch.
- Purchase non-food items that are necessary to prepare and/or serve the fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pay for operating labor costs to prepare and serve the fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Pay for administrative labor costs and/or equipment necessary to operate the FFVP.
Applications are no longer being accepted for the School Year 2026–27 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Resources
- FFVP In a Nutshell (Spanish)
- USDA FFVP Handbook - A guide for schools that includes rules and guidelines for how to operate the program
- FFVP Online Services Manual - Instructions on how to submit claims and budget revisions
- FFVP Claims and Budget Tracking Template- Use this tool to keep track of your costs in each budget category and ensure your budget is approvable.
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: The Basics - Webcast
- Employee Timesheet
- Equipment Justification Form
- Parent Letter (Spanish) (Hmong)- This editable letter may be sent home to parents or posted on the school's website to spread the word about the FFVP.
Program Administration
- Proposed Rule on the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, published 2/24/12
- USDA Guidance Memos about the FFVP