CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Department of Education Delaware $2.790 million on October 1, 2025, under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) to provide free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools with high percentages of children eligible for free or reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program, with performance through September 30, 2026, in Delaware.

The recipient passes funding through sub-awards to 14 Delaware school districts and one charter school—Indian River School District, Caesar Rodney School District, Capital SD, Seaford School District, Milford Board of Education, Lake Forest School District, Red Clay Consolidated School District, Christina School District, Cape Henlopen School District, Brandywine School District, Colonial School District, Woodbridge School District, and Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School—to deliver school nutrition programs centered on fresh produce distribution at participating elementary schools. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program's purpose is to introduce students to fresh and new varieties of produce and increase consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables while promoting nutrition education and healthier school environments. State selection targets elementary schools with the highest free and reduced price meal eligibility percentages; schools must participate in the National School Lunch Program and agree to serve produce free to all enrolled children.