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The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides all enrolled students in participating
elementary schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. The FFVP also encourages community partnerships to support the schools when they offer free fruit and vegetables to
students during the school day.
The goal of the FFVP is to:
- Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
- Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience.
- Increase student’s fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Make a difference in student’s diets to impact their present and future health.
This program is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping
students learn more healthful eating habits. The FFVP introduces students to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) at the federal level. At the state level, the FFVP is administered by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
The USDA has prepared a five minute video,
USDA
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program, on the goals and benefits of the FFVP.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Handbook for Schools (PDF) Cover Only
(PDF) is a 68 page manual distributed by USDA and amended by OSPI. The handbook
informs readers of the FFVP history and how schools are selected to participate.
It also provides guidance on operating and administering the FFVP.
Participating schools receive reimbursement of the cost of offering free fresh fruits and vegetables to students throughout the school day. These fresh fruits and vegetables must be provided separately from the lunch or breakfast meal, in one or more areas of the school during the official school day.
For more information contact: Jennifer Mitchell, (360) 725-0410.
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