Thursday, November 6, 2025
Have you ever tried jackfruit? How about jicama? In addition to delicious options like these, the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is serving up an array of healthy fruit and vegetables to 78,451 Wisconsin students in 208 public schools and 34 private schools this year. That’s the highest number of schools involved in the program since the 2021-22 school year!
The FFVP, an annual grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the DPI Bureau of School Nutrition, makes a difference in children’s lives. The program encourages students to build healthy eating habits by consuming more fruits and vegetables during the day. The FFVP requires schools to serve fresh fruits and vegetables separately from breakfast and lunch, providing students with opportunities to sample healthier snack choices.
The FFVP is open to elementary schools in which 50 percent or more of students receive subsidized school meals, or an equivalent rate for Community Eligibility Program sites. Grantee schools receive monthly reimbursement for the cost of providing free, fresh fruits and vegetables to all enrolled students. As part of the grant, they must publicize the availability of healthy snacks for all students and are encouraged to develop partnerships at the State and local level to help implement the program. Schools enjoy autonomy when it comes to deciding when, where, and how they implement the FFVP, and what mix of fresh fruits and vegetables they will offer to students.
For more information about the program and how your school can apply for the FFVP grant, visit the DPI's website.