Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
History:
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) began as a pilot project in 2006 for select states, but expanded to all states in 2008 with funding in the Farm Bill. The intent of the program is to expose students to different fruits and vegetables, create a healthier school environment, and promote healthy eating habits to children at a young age.
The New York State Department of Education (SED) administers the program.
Eligibility:
Elementary schools with a high percentage of low-income students are eligible to apply to SED for a FFVP grant. Once a school has received the grant award, all students in the school must have access to the fresh produce at no charge, regardless of income.
Benefits:
The FFVP is intended to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary school students during the school day outside the scheduled meal times. Foods cannot be canned, frozen, or mixed with other foods and must be domestically grown (with the exception of bananas).
Funding:
In total, the 2008 Farm Bill allocated $65 million for the 2008-2009 school year. States received varying amounts of funding for this current year with an expected increase of funding in subsequent years. SED grants are based on the size of the school and student population. Schools may be awarded between $50 and $75 per student.
For More Information About the FFVP:
The BackPack Program
Designed to help feed low-income children on vacations, holidays, and weekends, many food banks throughout NYS and the nation are providing bags of food to children to take home on the weekends. Food is kid-friendly, non-perishable, and usually distributed to children in partnership with schools.
Funding for the BackPack Program is supported by the emergency food system and private donations.
Learn more about the BackPack Program from Feeding America or contact your local food bank to find out if a program is available in your area.
