2026-27 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Subgrant Program
Forecasted
2026-27 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Subgrant Program supports South Carolina elementary schools with free fresh produce snacks to broaden children’s diets and build healthier school environments.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $50 per student for one school year; approximately $3.5 million available in the 2026–27 cycle, contingent on USDA funding
Summary: Supports elementary schools in providing free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to improve children’s diets and create healthier school environments.
Key Information: Schools must operate the National School Lunch Program and have at least 50% free/reduced-price meal eligibility.
Description
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is administered by the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Health and Nutrition using federal funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It supports elementary schools in offering free fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks throughout the school day, outside breakfast, lunch, and afterschool programs. Selection prioritizes schools with the highest percentages of low-income students.
The program aims to expand the variety of produce children experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and improve diets in ways that support present and future health. It introduces children to foods they might not otherwise sample and encourages state and local partnerships to support implementation. Family education and community involvement also support the program’s broader health and wellness goals.
