The USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program that provides eligible elementary schools with funds to purchase fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to be distributed during the school day. Learn more about the FFVP on the USDA’s website.

Click here to see the list of eligible school districts in the 2024-25 school year! As part of our joint White House Commitment, Pilot Light and FRESHEALTH will be expanding SnackTime Explorers to all FFVP-eligible schools by 2030, so if your district is not eligible for this year’s cohort, you may be soon! Fill out our interest form to stay updated with all the news about our expansion plan.

Lead Teachers are SnackTime Explorers teachers who implement SnackTime Explorers lessons in their class over a nine week period, support at least two teachers at their school in implementing SnackTime Explorers, and attend two Pilot Light professional development workshops during their time in the program. Lead Teachers also earn a $500 stipend for program participation. Learn more about becoming a Lead Teacher in the 2024-25 school year here and apply today!

Lead Teachers’ participation in SnackTime Explorers is a 9-week commitment in the 2024-25 school year. During these 9 weeks, Lead Teachers are required to implement lessons in their classrooms, participate in two professional development workshops through Pilot Light, meet individually with the Pilot Light team for a mid-program check in (virtual) and a site visit with one of our team members (in person).

Additionally, Lead Teachers oversee the program participation of two other teachers at their school. All participating teachers are required to fill out pre- and post- program surveys and additional supporting materials through Pilot Light to ensure the long-term success of SnackTime Explorers! See below for the full Lead Teacher Schedule in the 2024-25 school year.

Upon your application to the 2024-25 SnackTime Explorers Lead Teacher program, you will be asked to choose one of the 3 following cohorts to participate in.* Applications are due May 10, 2024 - click here to apply today!

Fall 2024 Cohort

August 16, 2024 - November 11, 2024

Mandatory Zoom Dates:

9/16/24 5-6:30 PM CT, 10/7/24 5-6:30 PM CT, 11/11/24 5-6:30 PM CT

Winter 2025 Cohort

January 13th, 2025 - March 10, 2025

Mandatory Zoom Dates:

1/13/25 5-6:30 PM CT, 2/3/25 5-6:30 PM CT, 3/10/25 5-6:30 PM CT

Spring 2025 Cohort

March 24, 2025 - May 19, 2025

Mandatory Zoom Dates:

3/24/25 5-6:30 PM CT, 4/14/25 5-6:30 PM CT, 5/19/25 5-6:30 PM CT