Public Notification: Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Waiver Request

Published on Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The RI Department of Education is seeking waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services. The purpose of these waivers is to support Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) elementary schools and communities in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to children in areas where schools may switch to operating a hybrid and/or full distance learning model in response to COVID-19. Specifically:

-RIDE is requesting a waiver that would allow for a parent/guardian pick up of FFVP produce that would limit participants’ interaction and proximity to other participants and therefore decrease the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

-RIDE is requesting a waiver to allow for districts/schools to distribute FFVP from sites other than elementary schools that are already approved to participate in the FFVP.

For more information on the program, call the Rhode Island Department of Education, Office of Statewide Efficiencies, Child Nutrition Programs at (401) 222-4269 or (401) 222-4253.