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Many children across the country have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in school.  Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help strengthen children’s immune systems, promote good health, and protect against disease. They’re also a great addition to a child’s diet to ensure healthy growth and development.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Nutrition Act of 2023 to direct funds toward ensuring the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools and providing more nutritious options for low-income children. The bill uses existing funding streams from import duties, which have been bolstered in recent years.

• “Improving children’s access to healthy fruits and vegetables at school will positively impact their lives. My legislation will ensure that low-income children across the country have more access to healthy, nutritious food grown right here in America.”  – Senator Rubio

Specifically, this bill:

• Expands the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) School Fruit and Vegetable Program to additional elementary schools through a community eligibility provision and allows middle and high schools to participate in the program.
• Imposes stricter ‘Buy America’ requirements on the program. 
• Uses existing funding to prioritize USDA procurement of healthy fruits and vegetables to be provided to schools, charitable organizations, and through other nutrition assistance programs.