Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition Division awarded $5,475,911 to the Commonwealth of Virginia State Board of Education under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) for the performance period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This Project Grant funds the procurement and distribution of free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools across Virginia with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.

Under this award, the State Board of Education serves as the administering state agency responsible for selecting eligible elementary schools and distributing grant funds to local school food authorities and educational partners. Participating schools receive fresh produce at no cost to students and are required to implement nutrition education initiatives while publicizing produce availability within school environments. All participating schools must maintain active enrollment in the National School Lunch Program and secure documented support from school food managers, principals, and district superintendents prior to program participation. The funding supports the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program's primary objectives of introducing children to fresh produce varieties, increasing consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and promoting nutrition education in economically disadvantaged school communities.