CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $4.017 million to the Louisiana Department of Education on October 1, 2025, to administer the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) in Louisiana through September 30, 2026. The program provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary school students with high percentages of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, with the goal of introducing children to fresh produce varieties and increasing consumption and acceptance of unprocessed fruits and vegetables.

The Louisiana Department of Education, operating through its division structure under the Louisiana Department of Administration (UEI WYXKK9CR1LE7), serves as the prime recipient and state administering agency responsible for selecting eligible schools and coordinating program operations statewide. The department enters into agreements with school food authorities whose elementary schools meet the free and reduced-price meal eligibility threshold, with schools required to serve free produce to all enrolled children and publicize availability within their buildings.

The recipient passed through funding to 27 sub-recipients across Louisiana parishes and charter networks, all identified as local school boards, school districts, or charter school operators. Sub-recipients include Acadia Parish School Board, Avoyelles Parish School Board, Bogalusa City School Board, Caddo Parish School Board, Calcasieu Parish School Board, Caldwell Parish School Board, East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, Einstein Charter Schools, Firstline Schools Inc., Franklin Parish School District, GEO Next Generation High School Inc., Iberville Parish School Board, Inspirenola Charter Schools, Kipp New Orleans Inc., Lafayette Parish School Board, Monroe City Schools, Ouachita Parish School Board, Orleans Parish School Board, Rapides Parish School Board, Richland Parish School District, St. James Parish School Board, and West Baton Rouge Parish School District. Each sub-recipient operates the Food and Nutrition Program for Louisiana Children at their respective school sites.