Many local elementary, middle, and high schools are approaching the end of their second year with the Universal School Meals program. This program provides every student in public schools with breakfast and lunch at no cost. So, students start their day nourished and ready to learn. They are not worried about the embarrassment of reduced meal assistance.
Integrating free meals into the educational system has indicated many benefits. First, the Universal School Meals program promotes a more inclusive and productive learning environment and tackles food insecurity. Second, it supports the nutritional needs of the students. They enjoy better diet quality. To improve their meal experience, the Child Nutrition Service Department of the Del Mar Union School District designs feedback surveys. The responses of the students and families are thoroughly reviewed and often considered in meal preparation. Additionally, the Farm-To-School program provides locally-grown produce in school meals.
However, food waste problems have become worse since the introduction of free meals. In response, Ocean Air School established efficient food waste reduction strategies starting last school year. In a close collaboration with the BCK Ecoliteracy programs and the Child Nutrition Service, it adopted comprehensive recycling and share bin strategies. The intact food not eaten is collected into the share bin and donated to the food pantry. After lunch, any leftover liquids, such as milk and juice, are first poured into a dedicated bucket. Second, milk or juice cartons are discarded into the blue recycling bin. Third, food waste is placed into the green compostable bin. Finally, non-recyclable items, such as wraps and sporks, are disposed of in the grey landfill bin. Notably, the kindergarteners are active participants. They especially enjoy picking up trash and sorting waste into different bins using grabbers. Through launching the recycling and share bin initiatives, food waste has been reduced by up to 80%.
“The program really works,” shared the school janitor, Chris. These efforts have resulted in a cleaner and greener campus. At the same time, students are learning the significance of reducing their environmental footprint, and it is becoming part of their routine.
Other local schools are applying similar waste management practices. With the continuous involvement of the Green Club Team, sustainable practices are being maintained. Likewise, topics such as ecological conservation and healthy eating habits should be added to the education system as well.
