Dec 22, 2020

Neil Armstrong Elementary received a Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program (FFVP) Grant this year. The grant allows Neil Armstrong to provide students with free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day.

The FFVP is a USDA grant opportunity for schools to provide children with free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options.

The goal of the FFVP is to:

• Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
• Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience.
• Increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption.
• Make a difference in children’s diet to impact their present and future health.

This program helps teach students where fruits and vegetables come from and allows them to try some they may not have heard about before! This is one great way for schools to help combat childhood obesity by teaching children healthy eating habits.

According to federal regulations, the school selection criteria to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is as follows:

• Only elementary schools can participate
• Each interested school must submit an approvable application for participation annually
• The highest priority must be given to schools with the highest percentages of low-income students to the maximum extent practicable

The FFVP is a grant schools can apply for. The grant is used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to serve during the school day, but not as part of breakfast or lunch. Each school receives between $50 and $75 per student to fund the program throughout the school year. Schools may use the FFVP grant to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and to cover operational and administrative expenses.