Across the nation, schools are implementing innovative share table programs to combat food waste and provide nourishment for students in need. These initiatives have been gaining traction for over a year, as educators and administrators recognize their potential to minimize waste and support hungry children.
The concept of a share table is straightforward: students can drop off any unopened food or beverages they don’t wish to consume, allowing their peers to take what they need. At the end of the school day, any remaining food is frequently donated to local food banks or charities. While the exact inception of share tables is unclear, many school programs were sparked by a memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in June 2016. The USDA, which oversees the federal lunch program, described share tables as “an innovative strategy to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods and curb food waste.”
In Orange County, Florida, approximately 20 schools have adopted share table initiatives. One notable example is Maple Grove Elementary, which donates its leftover food to a local church. This church runs a food pantry that feeds around 100 homeless individuals each week. “Without this program, we would be throwing away perfectly good meals,” stated Pastor John Thompson of Grace Lutheran Church, who benefits from Maple Grove’s donations. “It’s a lifesaver for us.”
The federal lunch program mandates that students must take a specific quantity of food, which they might not always want or have the appetite for. Once this food is served, it cannot be reused the next day. Share tables provide a solution, allowing schools to prevent perfectly edible food from being discarded.
For schools that don’t partner with charities, leftover food is often sent home with students from families who could use extra assistance. “Kids who might not have a proper lunch or snack can grab fruit or snacks like chips and yogurt,” said Sarah Jones, an eighth-grader who initiated a share table at her school, Hilltop Middle School in Connecticut.
One of the significant advantages of share tables is that they eliminate the stigma often associated with seeking food assistance. Since these tables are available to all students, there’s no added pressure or judgment. “Most kids just chat and enjoy their time; nobody really pays attention to who’s taking food,” Sarah shared.
It’s our hope that share tables become a standard feature in school cafeterias everywhere. Does your child’s school have a share table? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.
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In summary, share tables are an effective strategy for schools to address food waste while ensuring that no child goes hungry. As these programs continue to spread, we hope to see more schools participating in this valuable initiative.