School Programs:
School Nutrition Programs
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a USDA funded program that provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to children in participating elementary schools throughout the school day.
The goal of the FFVP is to:
- Create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices.
- Expand the variety of fruits and vegetables children experience.
- Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Create an opportunity to provide nutrition education.
- Positively influence children's life-long eating habits.
- Combat childhood obesity.
Use the buttons to the left to view valuable resources on making the FFVP a success at your school.
For more information about the FFVP, contact OPI School Nutrition Programs at 1-888-231-9393 or locally at 406-444-2501
Program Administration
The FFVP began in 2004 and is administered federally by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and at the state level by the Office of Public Instruction's Child Nutrition Programs – the same agency that administers the National School Lunch Program.
The program is geared toward elementary schools with the highest proportion of free and reduced lunch enrollment, especially those at 50 percent and higher. Total enrollment of all schools selected in the state must result in a per-student allocation of $50 to $75.
To view Your school's allocation amount, click here.
The program runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. Applications to participate in the FFVP must be completed yearly.
FFVP Handbook
Information on implementing the FFVP at your school.
FFVP Toolkit
Features informative webcasts, administrative and promotional resources from USDA and other states, and FFVP photo gallery.
FFVP Claim Form
Use this form to detail your monthly FFVP expenses and keep on file. Do not submit to OPI.
FFVP Budget Worksheet
Template for tracking operating and administrative costs.
Summer 2012 FFVP Training PowerPoint
Buying Local Produce
Montana is experiencing much excitement surrounding the growth of Farm to School (F2S) programming. F2S aims to connect local farms with schools to serve more healthful, locally produced foods to students; provide unique nutrition education opportunities; and improve Montana's economy by developing new markets for farmers. These activities include everything from procuring one or more local items for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and other child nutrition programs to school gardens to local food tastings and more!
Find out when Montana-grown produce is available.
For more information, visit OPI’s Farm to School webpage.
Program Promotion
Get the word out about the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at your school with these useful resources:
- Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Pamphlet
- Promotional Brochure for Parents
- FFVP Press Release Template
Use this template to announce the FFVP in your local media. - 3 Simple Steps to Eating more Fruits and Vegetables
Easy-to-read handout for kids and parents. - Bulletin Board Resources from Team Nutrition
- Harvest of the Month – Monthly Elements
Includes educator and family newsletters.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition Education Tools for FFVP Schools
View the categories below for curriculum guides and activities to make fresh fruits and vegetables exciting!
For more nutrition education resources, contact Katie Bark, Montana Team Nutrition, kbark@mt.gov, 406-994-5641.
- OPI’s Nutrition Education Resource page
- Fun Fruit and Veggie Lessons
Four step-by-step lesson plans created by Montana Team Nutrition for use with the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program or for general nutrition education.
- MSU Extension Nutrition Education Programs
Healthy, affordable recipes, newsletters, and fact sheets. - MSU Extension Nutrition Education Resources Catalog
Lists educational resources for loan to Montana educators through the county MSU Extension office. - Fruit and Vegetable Classroom Activities
Easy activity ideas and materials from the North Carolina Nutrition Education and Training Program. - Fruit and Vegetable Fact Sheets
From the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. - Pick a better snack™ & ACT
Curriculum resources for all ages, newsletter articles and printable materials. - Harvest of the Month
Guide on how to grow healthy students.
Harvest of the Month – Monthly Elements
Includes educator newsletters, family newsletters and menu slicks.
- Nutrition Lessons and Nutrition Education Ideas
From Indiana Team Nutrition. - Neat Solutions
Nutrition & health education resources for children. - Nutrition Explorations
Fuel Up to Play 60 guide, plus games for kids. - Fun Fruit & Very Vegetable Coloring Book
- The Dole Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Planner
- MSU Extension
Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension agents and SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators can help teach nutrition during your FFVP serving times.
Click here to find your local:
Extension Agent
Nutrition Educator - Eat Right Montana
A coalition promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Eat Right Montana's Monthly Newsletters
Sign up to receive monthly emails with featured recipes, nutrition and fitness basics. - Montana Action for Healthy Kids
- Montana NAPA (Nutrition and Physical Activity Program)
- Agriculture in Montana Schools
Agriculture-based lesson plans and teaching materials. - CDC’s Fruits & Veggies Matter
Recipe database, fruit & veggie of the month, interactive tools. - FFVP Resource Guide Lists produce trade associations and the free materials they provide for FFVP schools.
- Also contact for local partnerships:
- Grocery stores
- Farmers market/growers
- YMCA/YWCA
- PTA
- Library
- Community Service groups
