Some healthy news for North Carolina kids as the new school year is just around the corner. All of the 212 schools across the state that applied have been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2025-26 academic session. The program, a federal initiative aimed at offering fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day, has been part of North Carolina's push for more nutritious options in education for the past two decades, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
According to the recent announcement by the NCDPI, the program particularly targets schools with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students, who otherwise might not have regular access to fresh produce. To be a part of the FFVP, an elementary school needs to meet specific criteria including a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and an existing approval to participate in the National School Lunch Program. State Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green emphasized that North Carolina's early adoption of the program "demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with the best in public education across the nation." Moreover, Green expressed that these health initiatives are integral to the academic success and well-being of the students.
The FFVP's primary aim is to encourage healthier food choices and thereby create a healthier school environment. In this vein, the program allows the participating schools an opportunity to significantly expand the variety of fruits and vegetables offered to children, hoping to influence positive dietary habits. School Nutrition staff are tasked with preparing the fresh fruit or vegetable snacks that are provided to students during the school day. According to Senior Director for School Nutrition and Auxiliary Services Rachel Findley, the FFVP "affords an additional opportunity for students to learn about and practice healthy choices by providing nutritious, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks accompanied by nutrition education," as per NCDPI.
Nutrition education is also a vital component of the program, with resources like storybooks and activity guides being shared with the schools to help promote these healthier options. With a diverse mix of 212 elementary schools and approximately 91,987 students participating, the state hopes to make a substantial impact on the diets and long-term health of its children. The NCDPI Office of School Nutrition, which is administering the program, is committed to working closely with school authorities to ensure the program's success. And while they're doing good, they're also required to follow federal civil rights law, ensuring no one is left out based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or in retaliation of civil rights activity, as affirmed by NCDPI.
More information about the scope of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in North Carolina schools can be found on the NCDPI Office of School Nutrition website. Queries regarding the program specifics or implementation might as well be directed to School Nutrition Consultant for Special Programs, Jacquelyn McGowan, at NCDPI.
