The Universal School Meals Program (USMP) provides every student with free lunch and breakfast. To promote healthy eating, the lunch menu includes an entrée, fruit, vegetables, and milk. However, many students discard untouched food in the trash can when they find some items they don’t like. The following steps are recommended to solve the food waste problems.
1) Students only take what they want to eat and place untouched food and milk cartons in the shared bins. Afterward, rather than ending up in the trash, these bins can be donated to families in need. Any extra food can be sent to nearby charities including Feeding San Diego, Porch Light Community Services, and Heaven’s Windows.
2) Parents and students can make plans. Menus are posted on the school district websites at least one month ahead. If students find any items they don’t like, they should bring their lunch. Families can prepare lunch together. Students help with shopping and simple cooking. By participating, they will understand that preparing food takes effort and that throwing away food is not appropriate.
3) Schools introduce workshops or classroom lectures teaching students how to live sustainably through incorporating food waste education into the curriculum. Students form green clubs to help with school gardening and composting projects.
