School Nutrition Services (SNS) Research

Publication: SNA

Date Published: April 2024

Reference: 

School Nutrition Association. (2024). Strategies to address food waste in K-12 schools: A narrative review. School Nutrition Journal.

Key Takeaways: This study reviews strategies to examine different interventions to reduce food waste in school cafeterias. Strategies such as offer vs serve or giving autonomy of choice of foods can help reduce food waste by 81 %. Salad bars can encourage choosing healthier food options. Whole fruits sliced result in more appealing and easier to consume, leading to less food waste. Educational programs implementing of raising awareness of food waste and encouraging responsible consumption. Distribution of food by setting up tables can help reduce food waste, as unopened items can be reduced food waste. Conducting audits on foods can identify which foods are mostly wasted, and adjust the menus accordingly. Finally, involving students, staffs, and parents result in a culture of responsibility and collective action.

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