2026-2027 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Statement of Purpose

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), under Section 19 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA), has been a nationwide program since 2008. Schools in Pennsylvania are selected by a competitive application process administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition. The FFVP provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. Providing a nutrition education component while serving fresh fruits and vegetables is the ideal way to introduce and reinforce good eating habits.

The goals of the FFVP are to:

• Create a healthier school environment by providing healthier food choices

• Expand the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables children experience

• Increase children’s fresh fruit and vegetable consumption

• Make a difference in children’s diets to impact their present and future health

The Scranton School District is a public school district located in Scranton, PA. The district services approximately 9,500 students K-12. The Scranton School District is spread throughout the city across 18 different sites.