The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) was started in 2002 as a pilot program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in four states with the purpose of introducing school children to fresh fruits and vegetables. The FFVP was made a permanent grant program nationwide in 2008 and is funded through the Farm Bill.
The goal of FFVP is to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices; expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience; increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption; and make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health.
The FFVP is an essential part of Child Nutrition Services. We are very proud of the schools that participates in this program. After careful review and feedback, we have decided to update this program to reflect the core values of providing students the opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables to expand their tastes and experiences. Starting in October, FFVP will be now be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students will begin to see different and unique fruits and vegetable in larger servings sizes. Wednesdays will focus on Florida Grown Produce.
The FFVP could not be successful without our teachers and school administration support. Teachers participating in the FFVP provide the required nutrition education component for the grant and encourage students to try new items by being a positive role model.
Child Nutrition Services is excited to partner with the following nine elementary schools to administer the FFVP: Lakewood Park Elementary, CA Moore Elementary, Lawnwood Elemetary, Sam Gaines Academy for Emerging Technologies (through 5th grade), Weatherbee Elementary, White City Elementary, Savanna Ridge Elementary, and Parkway Elementary.
For more information about FFVP please visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ffvp/fresh-fruit-and-vegetable-program
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