The Long Branch Public Schools have partnered with Sodexo to support the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), an initiative designed to provide students in participating schools with free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day. The program offers students regular access to healthy snack options while encouraging positive eating habits through exposure to a wide variety of produce.

The FFVP also supports collaboration at the state and local levels to help schools successfully implement and sustain the program. Through these partnerships, Long Branch Public Schools continue to strengthen their commitment to student wellness and nutrition.

The district has been recognized for its efforts to offer nutritious food options alongside food education and awareness. Policies are in place to promote healthy choices, including guidelines that allow only healthy snacks for fundraisers and classroom events. In addition, the district is committed to incorporating locally grown foods whenever possible, helping students make connections between nutrition, agriculture, and their community.

The FFVP introduces students to new, healthy foods while providing nutrition education during snack time. Research conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture shows that students who participate in the program consume more fruits and vegetables than their non-participating peers. Beyond improving access to healthy snacks, the program serves as an educational resource, teaching students about seasonal produce and encouraging them to try new foods.

For more information about the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and its implementation in Long Branch Public Schools, families may visit the official FFVP webpage or contact the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

The School Breakfast After the Bell Program helps ensure that students can start their school day with a nutritious meal, just as they do with lunch. In New Jersey, many districts are expanding how breakfast is offered by serving it during the school day—often right after the first bell—to make it easier for students to participate and to reduce the stigma sometimes associated with traditional before-school breakfast service.

Serving breakfast “after the bell” has been shown to increase student participation and provides more children with the healthy food they need to focus and learn. New state laws and federal support help schools implement these programs, with reimbursements available to support breakfast service during school hours.