The purpose of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Grant is to increase fresh fruit and fresh vegetable consumption in elementary schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Priority is given to elementary schools based on free and reduced eligibility.
The FFVP program is different from the
Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Program Eligibility
Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have 50% or greater free and reduced-price eligibility percentage and serve students enrolled in grades 8 or below are eligible to apply. Schools with the highest free and reduced-price eligibility percentage have the greatest chance of being selected for the program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application for schools to request participation in FFVP for School Year 2025-2026 is now available in WINS. Sponsors with eligible schools will have a link for the FFVP application in the sponsor tasks tab in the current program year 2025 School Nutrition Programs Application.
Potential applicants should review the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program - Handbook for Schools to ensure a thorough understanding of program requirements. Applicants must provide assurance they will operate FFVP in accordance with the program guidelines.
- Instructions to Apply for FFVP School Year 2025-2026
- Program Eligibility: Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program that have 50% or greater free and reduced-price eligibility percentage and serve students enrolled in elementary grades 8 or below are eligible to apply.
- Selection: Selection of schools for participation in FFVP is determined by priority given to elementary schools with the highest free and reduced-price eligibility percentage. Schools that have the same free and reduced-price eligibility percentage are ranked from lowest to highest enrollment to allow the maximum number of schools to be allocated funding. Funding for this program is limited. The number of schools selected will depend on the amount of federal funding provided for the program each year.
- Deadline to Apply: May 9, 2025
- Notification: Following the application period, all applicants will be notified via email on whether their schools are selected for the program. Schools that are selected must be prepared to start the program at the beginning of School Year 2025-2026.
AWARDEES
Forms and Documents
-
Equipment Justification Form
If a school would like to utilize FFVP funds to purchase an equipment item that is $250 or greater to use in operation of the program:
- Approval must be granted by ISBE prior to purchasing equipment - submit Equipment Justification Form
- If approved, equipment must be purchased by December 31st
- Equipment is claimed as an Administrative Cost (capped at 10% of grant amount)
-
SY2023-24 Individual Site Fund Tracker
Schools may use the Individual Site Fund Tracker as a budgeting tool to track monthly FFVP expenditures and remaining funds.
- SY2024-25 FFVP Claim Forms
School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in FFVP must submit a monthly claim for FFVP expenditures. Claims are due no later than 60 days following the end of the claim month. Instructions for completing the claim are located in the instructions tab of the claim form. SFAs should select the claim form to use based on the number of FFVP sites it is operating.
