JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from state elementary schools for the 2026-27 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Beginning Oct. 1, the department will administer $3,376,009 in program funding for schools to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to serve free to students in grades K-6. At least 162 schools are expected to participate.
What officials said
“The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program gives Arkansas students greater access to healthy foods during the school day while helping them develop lifelong healthy eating habits,” said Stephanie Alsbrook, Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s food and nutrition director. “Arkansas-specific research shows that schools offering FFVP for two or more consecutive years see up to a four percent decline in childhood obesity rates. This program is a meaningful investment in the health of our students and the future of our communities.”
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders also commented on the program…