Federal Grant Award Summary

The South Carolina Department of Education received a $4.32M Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This award funds the procurement and distribution of free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools throughout South Carolina with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.

Under this federal-state agreement, SCDOE serves as the state administering agency responsible for selecting eligible schools, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing program implementation. The state agency distributes grant funds to participating elementary schools and their food authorities, which deliver free fresh produce to all enrolled students while conducting associated nutrition education activities. Participating schools must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and agree to publicize fresh fruit and vegetable availability within their school communities. The program's primary objectives include introducing children to fresh produce varieties, increasing consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and promoting nutrition education in economically disadvantaged school communities.