All Applicants Selected for 2025-26 School Year Initiative
NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina State Board of Education has approved 212 elementary schools across the state to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2025-26 school year. In a notable achievement, every North Carolina school that submitted an application was selected for the program.
Program Overview
The FFVP is a federally assisted initiative that provides fresh fruits and vegetables to children during the school day at no cost to students. The program aims to introduce children to fresh, unprocessed produce, including new and different varieties, with the goal of increasing overall acceptance and consumption among young students.
Two Decades of Participation
North Carolina has been a pioneer in the program’s implementation. As one of the first states to participate in the FFVP, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has received the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for 20 consecutive years.
“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,” said State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green. “The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program not only aligns with NCDPI’s strategic plan for achieving educational excellence, but also supports the health, well-being, and academic success of our students.”
Selection Criteria and Reach
Federal guidelines mandate that priority be given to schools serving the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students, as children in these schools typically have fewer opportunities to regularly consume fresh produce.
To qualify for the FFVP, schools must:
- Be an elementary school
- Represent the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged students
- Be currently approved to participate in the National School Lunch Program
- Complete an annual application
The 212 selected schools span 30 public school units with diverse enrollments, reaching approximately 91,987 students throughout North Carolina.
Program Implementation
The primary goal of the FFVP is to create healthier school environments by expanding food choices available to students. Fruits and vegetables purchased through FFVP funds supplement those already served through school breakfast and lunch programs.
On operational days, School Nutrition staff prepare fresh fruit or vegetable snacks that students receive during the school day, typically between mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
“Students are offered a variety of fruit and vegetable choices daily through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs,” said Rachel Findley, Senior Director for School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services. “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.”
Educational Component
Participating schools receive educational resources to enhance the program’s impact. Principals, teachers, and School Nutrition personnel are encouraged to actively promote fresh fruits and vegetables to students using storybooks, activity guides, fact sheets, and posters featuring produce grown in North Carolina.
The ultimate objective is to increase students’ exposure to healthy options, encouraging them to choose fruits and vegetables over less nutritious snack foods.
Administration
The NCDPI Office of School Nutrition serves as the state agency administering multiple USDA programs in North Carolina, including the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, After School Snack Program, Seamless Summer Option, and Summer Food Service Program.
For additional information about School Nutrition Programs in North Carolina, visit the NCDPI Office of School Nutrition website. Questions regarding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program may be directed to Jacquelyn McGowan, NCDPI School Nutrition Consultant for Special Programs.
The USDA and NCDPI are equal opportunity providers and employers.
