Food and Nutrition Programs

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program School Year 2026-2027

To:
School Food Authorities Operating the National School Lunch Program
From:
Robert Leshin, Director, Office for Food and Nutrition Programs
Date:
February 11, 2026

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federal Child Nutrition Program available to School Food Authorities (SFA) that administers the National School Lunch Program in elementary schools where greater than 50% of enrolled students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals . The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) defines elementary school as having grade one. The goal of FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. Applications are due by 5:00pm Friday, May 29th.

Applications are available in DESE's Security Portal. The signature page form and detailed instructions on how to apply are in the Document and Reference Library in the NSLP — Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program folder.

To apply, a complete application includes:

  1. A commitment to start the first week of school by the superintendent, school principal, food service director, and school cafeteria manager.
  2. A complete and submitted application for each eligible school the SFA is applying for.
  3. A signature page uploaded for each school's application.

To decline: Eligible schools are not required to apply. If an SFA does not intend to apply for an eligible school, "set selected schools to not applying" in FFV application packet.

Technical assistance available: In Office Hours for School Meal Programs on March 17th and April 21st at 2:00pm. Must be registered to join office hours.

Late, incomplete, or unsubmitted applications cannot be considered. For questions, please contact Kelly Burke via FFVP@mass.gov .

Please Note: The selection process will be completed pending available funding for the program.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Last Updated: March 11, 2026

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