Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP)

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a grant opportunity for schools to provide children with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day, at no cost to the children. The goal of the program is to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables among school-aged children, educate students about the benefits of fruits and vegetables, and expose them to new varieties. Teaching children healthful eating habits may help promote a healthy school environment, improve student health, and help combat childhood obesity. 

Reviews

Colorado Nutrition Portal

Training

Elementary schools are selected for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program annually through a simple application process. Priority goes to schools with the highest free and reduced enrollment. Interested schools must submit a completed application by the defined deadline.

View the current FFVP Grantee List (PDF).

FFVP applications open on Thursday, May 19 for school year 2022-23. Applications are due in the Colorado Nutrition Portal by Thursday, June 30. To qualify, applicants must:  

1. Be an elementary school. 
2. Begin FFVP operations at the start of the school year. 
3. Participate in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Program. 
4. Have a 50%, or more, students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Preference will be given to those schools with the highest eligibility percentage. 
   1. To determine eligibility, SFAs must use the 2021 PK-12 Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility by School Data (XLS)

How to Apply:

• Market and promote the FFVP to eligible elementary schools
• Gain support and buy-in from teachers, staff and principals and/or superintendents
• Establish an implementation plan that includes service methods and frequency, integration of nutrition education, FFVP marketing and promotion and overall program administration and monitoring

Determine Eligibility:

PK-12 Free/Reduced Enrollment & Percent Data from October Pupil count

Apply:

• How to Apply to the FFVP
• FFVP Application Instructions (PDF)
• FFVP Program Overview (PDF)
• FFVP Handbook (PDF)

Claim: 

• How to Submit Claims for the FFVP
• Claiming Instructions (PDF)

Request a Waiver: 

The USDA approved Colorado’s waiver to allow the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to operate at an alternate location if the approved location is closed as long as accountability and integrity of the program are maintained. Sponsors must apply via the alternate site location waiver request form to use this waiver. The alternate location waiver is valid through the end of School Year 2021-22.

EQUIPMENT:

• Equipment Justification Form
• On-Site Monitoring Form (PDF)

BUDGETING: 

• Re-Allocation of Funds Form
• Budget Calculator (XLS)
• Site Claims Calculator (XLS)
• Time Sheet (PDF)

PRODUCTION RECORDS: 

• Production Record (PDF)
• Production Record Form (PDF)
• Production Record Example (PDF)

For more information or if an alternate version of a document is needed, please contact Vivien Skrupskis or 720-672-4243.