North Carolina Schools Gear Up for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Initiative
In a bid to promote healthier eating habits, 212 schools throughout North Carolina are set to engage in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2025-26 academic year. This decision, approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education, means every school that applied has been included in the initiative.
The FFVP is a federal scheme aimed at providing fresh produce to elementary school children without charge, seeking to familiarize them with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Notably, North Carolina was a pioneer in embracing this program, and it continues to benefit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant dedicated to this cause.
“North Carolina’s involvement as one of the first states to implement the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with the best in public education across the nation,” stated State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. The initiative is integral to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) strategic plan and aims to bolster students’ health and academic performance.
The program prioritizes schools with the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students, ensuring these children receive opportunities to consume fresh produce regularly. To qualify, a school must be an elementary institution, serve high numbers of disadvantaged students, be part of the National School Lunch Program, and submit an annual application. The schools selected are spread across 30 public school units, supporting approximately 91,987 students.
FFVP’s overarching mission is to cultivate healthier school environments by diversifying children’s fruit and vegetable intake. This initiative supplements school meal offerings, providing students with additional snacks during school hours. School Nutrition staff prepare these snacks, which are distributed between mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
The goal is to encourage students to choose healthier snacks over less nutritious options, with principals and teachers playing a role in promoting these choices. Participating schools receive educational materials, such as storybooks and activity guides, to support this effort.
Rachel Findley, Senior Director for School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services, emphasized, “The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program affords an additional opportunity for students to learn about and practice healthy choices by providing nutritious, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks accompanied by nutrition education.”
The NCDPI Office of School Nutrition administers various USDA programs, including the School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and the Summer Food Service Program. More information is available on the NCDPI Office of School Nutrition website. For inquiries, contact School Nutrition Consultant for Special Programs, Jacquelyn McGowan.
In accordance with federal civil rights law, this institution does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Individuals needing alternative communication means for program information should contact the relevant state or local agency or the USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600. For discrimination complaints, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form available online in English and Spanish, or contact USDA by mail, fax, or email.
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