Guest Blogger:
Carly Duke
At Wilson Elementary I started a pilot program during Spring semester. The program had kids sorting the lunch waste, all leftover food going in a separate bin and I took it up to USU to be turned into compost. The campus will then use the compost for landscaping and the student organic garden.
This little pilot program has opened my eyes to a much bigger problem, one with an astonishingly simple solution. New regulations mandate all students must be given fresh fruits, vegetables, and a carton of milk placed on their trays. Sounds good in theory; however, just because it is placed on the student's tray does not mean it is touched.
The kids who usually wouldn't grab an apple have one placed on their trays anyway, and they don't eat it. There are mass amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products that are making their way to our landfill untouched.
The schools are regulated to not reuse/take back unopened items, BUT the local food pantry or the backpack program for less fortunate students that fills a backpack full of food, would be a great fit for this food waste.
Instead of increasing emissions by hauling the waste to the landfill, increase greenhouse gas emission coming from our landfill, and having local kids still going to bed hungry . . .
LET"S FIX BOTH PROBLEMS!
If you are interested in getting involved in this project please email us at CacheVolunteerCenter@gmail.com and we will forward your email on to Carly. THANK YOU in advance for getting involved in making a difference here in Cache Valley!
