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. In Atlanta, what began in 2022 as just 6 pop-up farmers markets at 1 elementary school has quickly grown into a year-round program where FRN hosts 25 monthly farmers markets, and stocks 3 community fridges, at 3 elementary schools in Atlanta, distributing more than 3,500 pounds of fresh produce to 350 families each month. It also provides a structured opportunity for local chapters to volunteer at a market, deepening college students’ connections with the community.