CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Board of Education Colorado $4.488 million on October 1, 2025, through 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 throughout Colorado.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program introduces children to fresh produce and increases overall consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables while promoting nutrition education and healthier school environments. State agencies select participating schools based on the highest percentages of eligible children and enter agreements with school food authorities to operate the program according to federal requirements. Participating schools must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and agree to serve fresh produce free to all enrolled children and publicize availability within the school.

The Board of Education Colorado, the state agency recipient, distributed the award to 40 sub-recipients across Colorado's school districts and educational organizations through sub-awards dated between February and July 2026. Sub-recipients include rural and urban school districts (Arickaree School District R-2, Brush School District Re 2J, Denver Public Schools, Littleton Public Schools, Weld County School District 6, among others), charter schools and charter school support organizations (The Colorado Charter School Institute, Charterchoice Collaborative), and private schools (Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Academy). Each sub-recipient provides fresh fruit and vegetable services to students at eligible elementary schools within their jurisdictions as part of the statewide program implementation.

Period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Place of performance is Colorado.