Federal Grant Award Summary

Award Details: The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Child Nutrition Division, awarded the Texas Department of Agriculture a $13.26 million Project Grant effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This federal-state cooperative agreement provides cash grants to procure and distribute free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools serving high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.

Products and Services: Under this award, the Texas Department of Agriculture distributed subgrants to 47 Texas school districts and educational entities to implement the program at the school level. The primary products and services include the procurement and free distribution of fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables to elementary school students during the school day, coupled with nutrition education initiatives designed to introduce children to fresh produce varieties and increase consumption of healthy foods. Participating schools, including entities such as Houston Independent School District, Fort Worth Independent School District, Dallas Independent School District, and numerous smaller rural districts, selected based on the highest concentrations of free and reduced-price meal-eligible students, deliver these nutritional offerings at no cost to enrolled students while maintaining active participation in the National School Lunch Program. The program also promotes healthier school environments through integrated nutrition education and community engagement activities.