The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from elementary schools for the 2026–27 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP). The program reimburses schools for fresh fruits and vegetables served free to students in grades K–6 during the school day, outside of breakfast and lunch meal periods. Completed applications must be submitted no later than Aug. 28.
“For too long, students lacked the fuel they needed to learn, but thanks to the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, schools are now able to make sure that Arkansas’ students have access to the healthy, nutritious foods they deserve right in their school cafeterias,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “Coupled with my Arkansas Plate Initiative – a program giving students access to fresh, locally sourced agricultural products at school – my administration is making meaningful progress toward improving child nutrition in Arkansas.”
Beginning Oct. 1, the department will distribute $3.376 million in FFVP funding, with at least 162 Arkansas schools expected to participate. Schools are funded based on their free and reduced-price meal eligibility, and funding is contingent on USDA federal allocations…