What Is the FFVP?

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is a federal grant program created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to introduce students to a wider variety of produce, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and build healthier eating habits both at school and at home. The program began as a pilot in 2002 and expanded nationwide in 2008, and it continues to be funded through the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

• Free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks are offered to all enrolled students at participating schools.
• Snacks are served outside of normal breakfast and lunch periods — typically as a classroom snack — so they don't overlap with regular meal service.
• Snacks are offered multiple times per week, commonly three times a week, depending on site scheduling.
• Produce is served fresh — canned, frozen, and dried items are not part of the program.
• Snack time is often paired with brief nutrition education, encouraging students to try new foods and learn about seasonal produce.

Why It Matters

Most children don't get the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. The FFVP helps close that gap by making fresh produce an easy, everyday part of the school experience — while exposing kids to fruits and vegetables they might not otherwise get to try.

Participating SUSD Schools

The following Stockton Unified School District sites are participating in this year's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program:

Families at these sites can expect their students to receive free fresh fruit or vegetable snacks during the school day as part of this program.

Questions?

For more information about the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program or other Child Nutrition & Food Services offerings, contact: