Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)
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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 is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The FFVP introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample.
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
- Highest priority must be given to schools with the highest percentages of low-income students to the maximum extent practicable
2015-2016 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Schools
Please click on the map below to go to an interactive map highlighting all of the schools participating in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program during the 2015-2016 school year.
Participation in the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program is growing. Click below to view Iowa schools that have participated since the 2008-2009 school year.
2008 - 2016 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Participants
Pick a better snackTM Toolkit
Pick a better snack™ is a comprehensive education and social marketing and social marketing campaign that includes several nutrition education components. The following pdf provides a summary of an on-line tool-kit that includes resources to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, including lessons, signage, newsletter articles, recipes, etc.
Pick a better snack™ & ACT Tool-Kit
This is the December, 2010 edition of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) and is based on Section 19 of the National School Lunch Act.
The Fruit and Vegetable Resource materials developed by Iowa Team Nutrition can help engage students in trying a new food and grow into adventurous eaters. The resources provide assistance with taste testing fruits and vegetables and nutrition education in the classroom or in the cafeteria. Resources include sample tasting schedule; tasting instructions for students; tasting strategies in the classroom; fun fact sheets; hand washing sign; food safety tips; words to describe foods; fruit and vegetable announcements; fruit and vegetable promotion ideas; posters; activity sheets; family newsletters; videos and songs; and free nutrition education resources.
Centers for Disease Control, Strategies to Increase Fruit & Vegetable Consumption
Evaluation of the FFVP Pilot: Report to Congress
Evaluation of the FFVP: Report to Congress
FDA Produce Safety
Food Research and Action Center – Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program
Food Safety Information
Fruits & Vegetables Galore
Institute of Child Nutrition Food Safety Fact Sheets
Produce For Better Health Foundation
United Fresh Produce Association
USDA Best Practices Handling Fresh Produce in Schools
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Policy