Substantial food waste is generated from the roughly seven billion meals that are served each year to the nation’s 45.4 million children enrolled in K–12 public schools. Measures to reduce food waste in schools can provide environmental benefits, increase meal consumption, lead to substantial cost savings, and help combat food insecurity. The ELI/NRDC Model Resolution on Reducing Food Waste in K–12 Public Schools can be adopted by state legislative bodies to help the state consider how food waste reduction measures for K–12 public schools can be adapted to their particular context. For a deeper dive, check out this blog.
Check out the accompanying resources: (1) Model State Law, (2) Background Memorandum and Commentaries, and (3) Slide Presentation.
This resource is part of a broader effort by ELI’s Center for State and Local Governance to develop adaptable model governance tools that make it easier for state and local governments in the United States to advance climate, environmental, and waste reduction solutions. You can find the full suite of model governance tools here.