Arkansas elementary schools serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade can apply for more than $3.3 million in funding through the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) for the 2026-2027 school year
The FFVP reimburses participating schools for providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students during the school day outside of regular breakfast and lunch periods
The program aims to increase access to healthy foods, reduce food insecurity and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits among students
Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture will administer $3,376,009 in FFVP funding
At least 162 Arkansas schools are expected to participate, with funding levels based on each school’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and contingent on USDA allocations
Elementary schools with any combination of grades K-6 that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply
Each qualifying elementary school within a district must submit a completed application to be considered
State officials said the program also supports Arkansas agriculture by encouraging partnerships between schools and local communities while increasing access to fresh produce
Research from Arkansas schools participating in the FFVP for two or more consecutive years has shown up to a 4% decline in childhood obesity rates, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division
Application materials, eligibility requirements and submission instructions are available through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, and emailed to [email protected]
