Status of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program – 4 Years since Expansion

Abstract

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) across the US with the goal to create healthier food environments in lower‐income elementary schools. Four years of data collected from 2009‐10 to 2012‐13 by the Bridging the Gap program from more than 2,200 public elementary schools participating in the National School Lunch Program were used to examine trends in FFVP participation. In 2012‐13, 36% of schools participated in the program, compared to 26% in 2009‐10. Schools with more low‐income students, with smaller enrollment, having a dietitian on staff and participating in the USDA's Team Nutrition program had significantly greater odds of participation in the FFVP. Presence of a full service kitchen was not associated with FFVP participation. Schools with dietitian on staff saw a 41% increase in participation from 2009‐10 to 2012‐13, compared to a 32% increase in schools with no dietitian. Although Team Nutrition schools started off with lower rates of participation, participation in non‐Team Nutrition schools increased at a higher rate in the last two years of reporting. Rates of participation have increased at similar rates among schools of different sizes. FFVP participation has increased in elementary schools over four years and additional resources such as having a dietitians on staff, participation in USDA's Team Nutrition programs, and a smaller school size are likely facilitators for FFVP participation.