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HARRISBURG -- Nearly 250 Pennsylvania schools will share more than $7.3 million in federal funding to provide students with fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced.
The funding was awarded to 249 schools in 29 counties through the federal Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which is intended to increase students' consumption of fruits and vegetables and encourage healthier diets.
"Providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables impacts growth, development, and achievement not just for individuals, but for entire communities," state Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe said. "By locally sourcing nutritious food, schools improve the health of learners, our education system, and economy."
The program was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded nationwide in 2008. Elementary schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are eligible for funding if at least 50% of their students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Federal guidelines allow participating schools to purchase produce from wholesalers, brokers, grocery stores and other retailers. Schools also may purchase directly from local farmers, farmers markets and orchards.
"When schools serve fresh, local fruit and vegetables, the ripple effects go far beyond what's on the lunch menu," state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said. "Buying local keeps school purchasing dollars in their communities, supporting farmers close by, keeping shipping costs down, and having a long-term positive effect on children's diets and health."
The grants come as Pennsylvania continues its universal free school breakfast program. According to the state, 92.3 million breakfasts were served in schools during the past school year, an increase of more than 10 million, or 13%, compared with the 2022-23 school year.
Nearly 70 million of those meals were served to students considered at risk for hunger or from low-income families.
The state’s 2026-27 budget continues funding for universal free breakfast for Pennsylvania’s approximately 1.7 million students. It also includes $3 million to provide menstrual hygiene products to students at no cost.
Other education spending in the budget includes increases of $565 million through the adequacy and tax equity formula, $58 million for basic education and $55 million for special education. The budget also maintains $125 million for school infrastructure improvements and $100 million for mental health and school safety programs.
The budget also provides $13.8 million for the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which includes programs designed to connect schools with local farmers and introduce students to agriculture.