What is the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program?

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides schools with funds to offer students fresh fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day. Duval County Public Schools proudly serve a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables through the FFVP at select eligible elementary schools throughout the school year.

What is the purpose of the program?

• Introduce students to fresh fruits and vegetables

• Create a healthier school environment by providing healthier food choices

• Expand the variety and overall acceptance of fruits and vegetables that children eat

• Positively influence children's life-long eating habits

When and where can fresh fruits and vegetables be offered?

Through this program, schools may offer fresh fruits and vegetables as a snack during the school day outside of breakfast and lunch. They can be served in classrooms, hallways or outside.

What can you do to help implement the FFVP?

Be a positive role model. While the program is targeted at students, it recognizes the important connection among students, teachers and school staff. Teachers serving fruits and vegetables can model healthy eating habits by participating with their students and including a nutrition education lesson.

How can you help make the program successful?

• Nutrition education is required, and teachers are encouraged to reinforce healthy eating with health education.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables can be brought into the classroom to complement a lesson.

• Your geography lesson can be reinforced by providing fresh fruits or vegetables from the region you are studying.

• Studying percentages in math? Use a piece of fruit to show quarters, half, thirds, etc. The best part is the lesson becomes edible!

• Have fun and be creative!

Resources for your Newsletter

• General Information

• Program History

• Guidance and Resources

Resource for your Lesson Planning

• Kids Food Critic Activity

If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback about the program, please Email Valerie Bius.

**Vegetables have been heat-treated and are not raw, so they are safe to eat.**  

More resources can be found online here.

Eligible Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year