Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service awarded the Arkansas Department of Education a $3.49M Project Grant under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This grant provides cash funding to procure and distribute free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools throughout Arkansas with high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. The program aims to introduce children to fresh produce varieties, increase consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and promote nutrition education in economically disadvantaged school communities.

As the state administering agency, the Arkansas Department of Education is responsible for selecting eligible elementary schools based on their free and reduced-price meal eligibility percentages and establishing agreements with participating school food authorities to ensure compliance with federal program requirements. Participating schools must be currently enrolled in the National School Lunch Program and agree to serve fresh produce at no cost to all enrolled children while publicizing availability within the school environment. The department distributes the grant funding to local school districts and educational partners for direct implementation and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to students.