Idaho elementary schools are invited to apply for federal grant funding to provide students with fruit and vegetable options throughout the school day with the 2026 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). Applications are due May 21.
The FFVP helps schools to increase students’ food and nutrition literacy by providing funding to offer fruit and vegetable options that they wouldn’t otherwise have ready access to. The program is administered by the Child Nutrition Programs team at the Idaho Department of Education. To be eligible for program funds, schools must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an elementary school (serving grades 1 – 6);
- operate the National School Lunch Program;
- have more than 40 percent of enrolled students eligible for free and reduced-price meals; and
- submit a complete application, including a signed Certificate of Support.
Successful applicants will be awarded grants to administer the FFVP from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Schools will be awarded $50 – $75 per student for the school year to make fresh fruit and vegetables available during the school day at no cost to the student. In the past, some schools have used funds to provide students with both staple options as well as more exotic foods that they may not normally have the opportunity to try.
For more information on program requirements or to find a copy of the FFVP grant application and Certificate of Support document, visit the Awards, Grants & Recognition Programs / Idaho Department of Education webpage or call the Idaho Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs staff at 208-332-6831. All grants awarded are contingent upon available USDA funds.
