CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $2.702 million to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction on October 1, 2025, to provide free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary school students under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582), with performance through September 30, 2026.

The program targets elementary schools in North Dakota with high percentages of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. NDDPI, as the state agency, selected participating schools and entered into agreements with school food authorities to operate the program according to federal requirements. Schools publicize fruit and vegetable availability to students and serve produce free to all enrolled children during the school day. The program introduces children to fresh and new produce varieties and encourages increased consumption and acceptance of unprocessed fruits and vegetables while promoting nutrition education in school environments.

NDDPI passed funds to 59 sub-recipients through sub-awards dated June 11, 15, and July 13, 2026. These recipients—primarily North Dakota public school districts, a non-profit Head Start provider, Native American tribal educational institutions, religious schools, and the Bureau of Indian Education—deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible students. Sub-recipients include Circle Of Nations in Wahpeton, Valley-Edinburg Public School, Wyndmere Public School, Dunseith Public School (serving Native American students on the Maka Wakpa Reservation), Devils Lake Public School District, Bismarck Public School District No.1, and numerous small rural district schools such as Flasher, Elgin/New Leipzig, Grenora, and Edgeley. Specialized recipients include non-profit Catholic Diocese of Fargo (ST. Catherine School), Belcourt School District serving Turtle Mountain tribal students, and Hit Inc., a non-profit providing services to low-income children and individuals with disabilities. The Bureau of Indian Education received a sub-award to support child nutrition programs at its network of schools serving Native American students across multiple states.