CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Georgia Department of Education $6.295 million under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) on October 1, 2025, 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.

The program operates in Georgia through a pass-through structure in which the Georgia Department of Education, as the state agency, selects eligible elementary schools based on their free and reduced price meal percentages and enters into agreements with school food authorities for program participation. Schools commit to serving fresh fruits and vegetables free to all enrolled children and to publicize availability within the school. The program runs through September 30, 2026.

The recipient, the Georgia Department of Education (registered as a Regional Educational Service Agency), administers this statewide nutrition initiative by distributing sub-awards to 51 local school districts and charter schools across Georgia, including major recipients such as Clayton County Public Schools, Fulton County Board of Education, Bibb County School District, Richmond County Board of Education, and Marietta City Schools, as well as smaller rural and urban districts. Sub-awards are structured in two categories: administrative support for the July–September period and operating support for the July–June school year period, with award dates between June 9, 2025 and July 16, 2025. Performance occurs across Georgia at participating elementary schools in each sub-recipient district.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program introduces children to fresh, unprocessed produce and new varieties to increase consumption and acceptance, while promoting nutrition education and healthier school environments. Schools may be renewed annually based on re-application and continued eligibility by free and reduced price meal percentage ranking.