Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers are welcoming a $175,000 investment into the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) Fresh from the Farm school fundraising program.

Over the next three years, the funding will support the development of a new website and e-commerce platform that along with enhanced marketing initiatives will help boost sales of Ontario- grown fruits and vegetables.  This will also make it easier for schools and registered childcare organizations across Ontario to offer the Fresh from the Farm school fundraising program to their communities.

“The Ontario government is proud to support the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association Fresh from the Farm program because it connects students with local farmers across the province, teaching them about the importance of healthy eating and supporting local producers while providing a unique fundraising opportunity,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This program brings fresh, delicious fruit and vegetables directly into family homes and helps protect our farmers and food supply chain by opening up local markets.”

"This exceptional program helps teach students about where their food comes from and the importance of healthy eating,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Fresh from the Farm connects children to local farmers and producers, showing just how vital farmers are to our local food economy.” 

The timely investment comes after the fundraising program wrapped up another successful campaign in November 2025, where more than 400 schools across Ontario participated and raised money that was used in various ways to benefit their school communities.

“For more than 10 years, Fresh from the Farm has introduced school-aged children to some of the incredible fruits and vegetables grown right here in Ontario while also providing local market opportunities for Ontario farmers,” said Shawn Brenn, potato grower and chair of the OFVGA. “It’s an amazing program and we look forward to using this funding to continue to evolve and improve the program for schools across the province, while supporting local farmers.”

Fresh from the Farm started in 2013 as an alternative to traditional school fundraisers, offering students the opportunity to sell Ontario-grown carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions and apples.

Since its launch, the program has helped more than 3,000 schools sell more than $6 million worth of Ontario-grown fruits and vegetables, equalling  more than five million pounds of product. This has resulted in $2.2 million being raised by schools and $3.5 million being returned to local farmers.

To learn more about the fundraiser, including how to enroll an Ontario-based school or childcare centre for the 2025 fundraiser, visit freshfromfarm.ca.

Source: June 6, 2025 news release