Expanding Local, Organic Options Through DoD Fresh 

School nutrition programs across the United States are increasingly seeking ways to serve local and organic fruits and vegetables that support student health, local economies, and environmental sustainability. The USDA Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (known as DoD Fresh) can offer a powerful pathway to bring local and organic produce into school meals. 

What is DoD Fresh? 

The DoD Fresh program allows K-12 schools to use their USDA Foods entitlement dollars to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables through a state and national distribution system, making it an important opportunity to fully utilize available commodity dollars in support of local and organic offerings. With support and advocacy from Friends of the Earth and partners, over the last 4 years, California school districts have purchased over $6 million in organic produce from DoD Fresh. Expanding that success to other states will help bring fresh, healthy, organic produce to lunch tables all across the U.S. 

Can Schools Purchase Local and Organic Options Through DoD Fresh? 

Technically yes, but many DoD Fresh vendors outside of California do not currently offer organic options. To change that, school districts can request local and organic produce and work with their state education agency and DoD Fresh vendor to identify what’s possible. 

Ready to explore local and organic options in your district? Fill out our interest form to connect with our team.  

5 Steps to Adding Local and Organic Options to DoD Fresh  

Follow these five steps to begin incorporating local and organic produce into your DoD Fresh orders 

1. Complete the Interest Form: Fill out the Friends of the Earth interest form to receive tailored support and learn what’s possible in your state.  

2. Identify Priority Items: Create a list of organic fruits and vegetables your district is most interested in sourcing, focusing on what is available seasonally in your region.  

3. Demonstrate Demand and Request Availability: Connect with your State Department of Education and DoD Fresh contracted vendor to ask if they can carry specific organic options and explore seasonal availability and pricing.

4. Pilot and Promote: Start with a few high-impact items — like apples, strawberries, carrots, or leafy greens — and highlight them in menus, salad bars, or featured recipes. 

5. Track and Expand: Monitor participation and feedback to build support and grow your organic offerings over time. 

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