Elementary School Produce Distribution

FRN distributes fresh surplus produce at Title 1 elementary schools to benefit young children and families experiencing hunger, while supporting the farming community.

Hunger exists in every zip code. However, as shown by our disaggregated mapping data, it does not exist equally in all zip codes. FRN hosts produce distribution programs at Title 1 Elementary Schools in priority geographic areas (according to our data-driven methodology) to redistribute surplus produce to feed young elementary school students and their families who disproportionately experience hunger. 

All produce is purchased from farmers, growers, and distributors in the area to allow them to sell produce that would have otherwise gone to waste. This produce is then distributed free of charge to elementary school students and their families through after-school pop-up produce markets where children and families can “shop” for free produce, to-go bags filled with produce that get distributed in the after school pick-up line, and a community refrigerator stocked with fresh produce and meals that the school community can access. 

This is one of FRN’s most popular programs with new community partners because the cost and effort required of them is minimal, while access to fresh produce is quickly maximized. What started in 2022 as a pilot project where we hosted 5 produce markets at just 1 elementary school in 1 city (Atlanta), has now grown into a year-round, nationwide program where we have now hosted 60+ produce markets and distributed over 94,350 pounds of fresh produce across 10 schools in 3 cities—Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Paul.