CNP fresh fruits and vegitables

The Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service awarded $2.682 million to Education & Early Development Alaska DEP on October 1, 2025, under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (CFDA 10.582) to provide free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools with high percentages of children receiving free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program. The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and operates in Alaska.

Education & Early Development Alaska DEP, the state administering agency, passed funds to 15 school districts and one tribal government as sub-recipients. Sub-awards issued on October 10, 2025, supported Juneau School District, Matanuska Susitna Borough School District, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Anchorage School District, Lower Kuskokwim School District, Kodiak Island Borough School District, Northwest Arctic Borough School District, Bering Strait School District, New Stuyahok Village, Lower Yukon School District, Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, and Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. An additional round of sub-awards dated July 18, 2026, supported Juneau School District, Matanuska Susitna Borough School District, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and Anchorage School District for continued participation in the program during subsequent school years or expanded participation.

Each participating school district and tribal government operated the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program according to federal requirements, selecting elementary schools with the highest percentages of free and reduced price meal eligibility and serving fresh fruits and vegetables free to all enrolled children during the school day.