Nine elementary schools in the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) saved thousands of pounds of food waste and packaging from the landfill this past school year by sharing food and composting the scraps.
“Learning extends beyond the classroom,” said GUSD Food Services Director Kim Leung. “The cafeteria not only is a place for students to be exposed to new foods but also serves as a resource for students to learn about sustainability.”
All nine of the schools implemented food-share and composting programs, funded by the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department. The food share program encourages students to place unwanted but still-safe-to-eat foods and drinks on designated share carts so other students can pick them up for lunch rather than throwing the food away. The carts are managed by cafeteria staff and adult volunteers.