The FFVP began as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Program, authorized by Congress under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171) in a limited number of states and schools. The purpose of the pilot was to identify best practices for increasing fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among students and to determine feasibility and student interest.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act by adding Section 19, the FFVP. Section 19 authorized the program nationwide to 50 states (as well as the District of Columbia and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands) and provided significant funding increases, beginning with $40 million in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2009 and growing to $150 million by 2012. After FFY 2012, annual changes are made in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.

The goal of the FFVP is to improve healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices and to:

• Expand the fruits and vegetables children experience
• Increase children’s fruit and vegetable consumption
• Make a difference in children’s diets to affect their present and future health

The program is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity and by helping children learn more healthful eating habits.