Red River Elementary School has qualified for The USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Fresh fruit and vegetables will now be available for elementary students to snack on after lunch.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits
and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP
is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The FFVP also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education. 

Elementary schools in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the Virgin Islands are eligible to participate. Schools must operate the National School Lunch Program in order to operate the FFVP. Importantly, the FFVP prioritizes schools with the highest percentage of children certified as eligible for free and reduced price meals. This is because children from low-income families generally have fewer opportunities to consume fresh produce on a regular basis.

Participating elementary schools must serve the fresh fruits and vegetables outside the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program meal service times. Beyond these requirements, schools have flexibility in determining their implementation plan. Schools may select the type of produce served, decide the number of days per week to serve the produce (though schools are strongly encouraged to serve a minimum of two days per week), and choose the time outside the breakfast and lunch meal service to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to children.

To learn more, visit the FFVP webpage: https://www.fns.usda.gov/ffvp/fresh-fruitand-vegetable-program.