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Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
Program Accomplishments
None.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Under Section 18(g) of the National School Lunch Act, Federally appropriated Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program funds are available to a specified number of State agencies: 25 schools in each of eight designated states (Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington); and 25 schools among three Indian Tribal Organizations in 3 designated states (Arizona, South Dakota, and New Mexico).
Participating public and nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under are reimbursed free to school children outside of the lunch or breakfast food service periods.
All participating schools must agree to serve fresh fruits and vegetables free to all enrolled children, and to publicize fresh fruit and vegetable availability within the school.
Funds are allocated to each State based on the enrollment of schools selected for participation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
State agencies specified in Section 18(g) of the National School Lunch Act or selected by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 18(g), including those State agencies representing Indian Tribal Organizations; and public and nonprofit private schools of high school grade and under participating in the National School Lunch Program and selected by their State agencies to participate in the FFVP.
In selecting schools, as required by Section 18(g), to the maximum extent practical States must ensure that the majority of schools have 50 percent or more students eligible for free or reduced price meals and give priority to schools that have partnerships with non-Federal resources.
Beneficiary Eligibility
All children enrolled in schools participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicant organizations must be currently participating in the National School Lunch Program. Applicant organizations must furnish evidence of nonprofit status. Costs will be determined in accordance with USDA Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations (7 CFR Part 3015 or 3016 and 3019).
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The school-level application prototype form was furnished by FNS and/or modified by the State agency.
An applicant should consult the State office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for the National School Lunch Program for more information on the process the State requires to be followed for the FFVP.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Public or private nonprofit schools in the designated States make application to the State Agency. Appropriate forms may be obtained from this agency.
Award Procedures
The State agency reviews the written application of a school based on criteria described in Section 18(g) of the National School Lunch Act and other State agency selection criteria. The State agency selects a total of 25 schools. The State agency then enters into an agreement with the selected schools for their participation in the program.
Deadlines
Please contact the program contact listed in the Information Contacts or Headquarters Office section below.
Authorization
National School Lunch Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 1769.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Agreements become effective upon approval by the State Agency.
Appeals
None. The State agency is responsible for selecting schools based on applicable criteria.
Renewals
Annual; amended as necessary.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Permanent, amended as necessary, described by law.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
State agencies must ensure that each school food authority with participating schools maintains and submits itemized reimbursement claim forms to the State agency inorder to receive reimbursement.
State agencies must submit expenditure data quaeterly via the 269A.
States must submit final fiscal year grant close out reports within 120 days after the end of the grant period.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-profit Organizations," State and local governments, and nonprofit organizations that expended $500,000 or more under Federal awards within any fiscal year shall have either a single audit or (in certain cases) a program specific audit made for that year. Audits may be conducted less frequently under conditions specified in A-133. The FFVP is subject to audits.
Records
Schools must maintain full and accurate records of the FFVP. Such records shall be retained for a period of 3 years after the end of the fiscal year to which they pertain, except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the records shall be retained beyond the 3-year period as long as required for the resolution of audit findings.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-3539-0-1-605.
Obigations
FY 07 $9,036,050; FY 08 est $12,410,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
None.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Director, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302. Telephone: (703) 305-2590. Contact: Cynthia Long, Director, Special Nutrition Programs, Food and Nutrition Service, Alexandria, VA 22302. Telephone: (703) 305-2161.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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