Surplus food is a common problem in school districts throughout the country. Concerned teachers, students, school administrators, cafeteria staff, parents, and others can become champions to prevent school food from going to a landfill.
"There are many ways to reduce, recycle, and recover food waste in school cafeterias. By implementing these ideas, schools play a vital role in scaling back the amount of food taking up precious landfill space. More importantly, if a school uses food waste as a learning opportunity, it instills better habits in our young people and produces more civic-minded, community-conscious adults."
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health strongly supports efforts to keep school food out of the landfill.
Prior to starting a share table or food donation program, we encourage schools to conduct Student Food Waste Audits and consider using these strategies to encourage students to consume their food.
