The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides schools with funds to offer students at no cost fresh fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day. Schools receive grant funds from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to provide fresh fruit and vegetable snacks for use outside of the breakfast and lunch service.

The purpose of the FFVP is to provide free, fresh fruits and vegetables for all students.  The program currently operates in all 50 states and in over 200 elementary schools in Florida.

Many children eat high-calorie, low-nutritional value foods as snacks. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables develops healthy eating habits and
provides more nutrients for growing children.  A benefit of eating more fruits and vegetables is reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.
Colorful fresh fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. Vitamin C promotes a healthy immune system; fiber
decreases the risk of coronary heart disease; vitamin A supports healthy skin and eyes; and potassium helps maintain a healthy blood
pressure. Eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables: blue-purple, yellow-orange, dark green and red.