GENTRY, AR. — Gentry Primary School students will have a new opportunity to enjoy fresh, nutritious foods as afternoon snacks beginning Oct. 1, as Gentry Public Schools launches an afternoon fruit and vegetable snack program for students in kindergarten through second grade through the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).

Gentry Primary was recently selected to participate in the federal program for the 2026-2027 school year following an application submitted by the district’s Child Nutrition team. District and Child Nutrition staff have been working on the opportunity since the summer and were excited to learn that Gentry’s application was approved, according to Gentry Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles.

Through the program, Gentry Primary students will receive fresh fruits and vegetables as an afternoon snack, separate from their regular school breakfast and lunch. The program is designed to give elementary students opportunities to try a variety of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables they may not have tried before, while encouraging healthy eating habits and nutrition education.

The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to eligible elementary schools during the school day. Schools pair the snacks with brief nutrition education designed to encourage students to try new foods, learn about produce and develop healthy eating habits. USDA research has found that students participating in the FFVP consume more fruits and vegetables than students who do not participate.

For younger students, an afternoon snack can be a valuable part of the school day. Children in the early elementary years are growing and developing rapidly, and providing access to nutritious foods gives them another opportunity to receive important nutrients while also learning what healthy food choices can look like, Broyles said. Just as importantly, introducing children to a variety of fruits and vegetables at a young age can help make trying new, nutritious foods a normal part of their experience.

“We are excited to bring this opportunity to our youngest Pioneers,” Broyles said. “We want our students to be healthy, ready to learn and willing to try new things. This program gives our kindergarten through second-grade students an opportunity to experience fresh fruits and vegetables while also learning about healthy choices. It’s a simple addition to the school day, but we believe it can have a meaningful impact on our students.”

The program will introduce students to a variety of fresh produce throughout the school year. The goal is not simply to provide an afternoon snack, but to give children opportunities to experience different fruits and vegetables and become more comfortable trying nutritious foods.

Although Gentry Public Schools and its Child Nutrition team began working on the application during the summer, the funding for the district’s award does not become available until Oct. 1, 2026. Oct. 1 marks the beginning of the federal funding period for Gentry’s 2026–2027 FFVP award, making it the earliest date the district can begin using the program funds to provide the snacks.

The FFVP began as a USDA pilot program in 2002 and became a nationwide program through the 2008 Farm Bill. Its purpose is to increase elementary students’ exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables outside of regular school meals while promoting nutrition education.

For Gentry Primary, the program represents another way Gentry Public Schools is investing in the health and well-being of its youngest students.

“We are grateful to our Child Nutrition team and everyone who helped with the application and planning process,” Broyles said. “There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes to bring an opportunity like this to our students, and we appreciate everyone who helped make it possible. We’re excited to get started in October and introduce our youngest Pioneers to some new favorite fruits and vegetables.”