Impacts of the fresh fruit and vegetable program on the school environment

Introduction: Under-consumption of fruits and vegetables is common among children, particularly those from lower-income households. To address this concern, the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) distributes free fruits and vegetable snacks outside school mealtimes in schools with high proportions of low-income students. FFVP aims to increase student intake of fruits and vegetables while helping children learn more healthful eating habits. An important goal of the FFVP is to create a healthier school environment. Methods: We conducted a rigorous evaluation of the FFVP, using a regression discontinuity design in which schools were ranked by the percent of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals (the primary criteria for selecting schools to participate in FFVP). This school-level impact analysis focused on 214 schools in 16 states that were within 2.5% of the state cutoff for receiving FFVP funds. Linear probability and regression models tested the impact of FFVP on the school environment, including nutrition education, availability of competitive foods, and differences in school meals. Results: Results will describe impacts of the FFVP on the school environment. In particular, we will report estimates of effects of FFVP on nutrition education and promotion activities, on school meals served, on fruits and vegetables taken by students as part of the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program, and on foods sold at school outside school meals. Discussion: Discussion will focus on whether and how the FFVP may indirectly increase student fruit and vegetable consumption and combat childhood obesity by changing the school environment.