Federal Grant Award Summary: CNP Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The Idaho State Department of Education received a $3.12 million Project Grant award 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 grant provides funding to procure and distribute free fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary schools throughout Idaho that serve high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program.

The grant supports the program's core objectives of introducing elementary-level students to fresh produce varieties, increasing consumption of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and promoting nutrition education in economically disadvantaged school communities. The Idaho State Department of Education, as the state agency recipient, is responsible for selecting eligible elementary schools based on free and reduced-price meal eligibility percentages and entering into agreements with participating school food authorities to ensure compliance with federal program requirements. Schools participating in the program agree to serve the fresh produce at no cost to all enrolled children and to publicize availability within their school environments.