The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) is accepting applications for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) grant for School Year 2024–25. The intent of the FFVP grant is to serve the highest need elementary schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) criteria for this grant includes a minimum site eligibility of at least 50 percent of the student population qualifying for free and reduced-price meals (F/RP).
Based on the federal funding for FFVP over the last seven years, the highest need California elementary schools were those with at least 81 percent of their student population eligible for F/RP meals.
To be considered for an FFVP grant award, new applicants and all current 2023–24 FFVP grantees interested in reapplying must complete and submit the online Request for Applications.
Grant Application Package and Instructions
- FFVP application web page
- Informational video: FFVP: How to Apply, Course Number 460
- FFVP application instructions web page
Grant Period: July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025
Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
All applications received after midnight on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, will be ineligible for funding.
- Only online applications are accepted
- No mailed, emailed, scanned, faxed, or hard copy applications will be accepted
- No late applications will be accepted
- No partial submissions will be accepted
Eligible Agencies
- School districts and county offices of education on behalf of their elementary school sites
- Direct-funded charter elementary schools
- Private elementary schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) if 50 percent or more of their students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals
- Residential child care institutions operating an elementary school during the day and participating in the NSLP
More Information
For more information about the FFVP and grant eligibility requirements, visit the CDE FFVP web page.
Program History
The USDA administers the FFVP at the federal level and the CDE administers the FFVP in California. The purpose of the FFVP is to provide all children in a participating elementary school with a variety of free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day. The FFVP is a supplement to, and not part of, the School Breakfast Program and the NSLP and includes teaching students about good nutrition. Participating schools are encouraged to partner with community entities to support their FFVP efforts.
As required by federal law, the NSD selects schools by application criteria and percentage of students eligible for F/RP meals. Priority is given to elementary schools with the highest relative F/RP percentages to the maximum extent practicable.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this subject, contact the CDE FFVP Team by email at FFVP@cde.ca.gov.