Offer vs. Serve Give students the option to “take” what they want instead of being “served” what is offered. Schools that are implementing this strategy are seeing a reduction in food waste. Some schools have opted to go “tray-less” altogether, which means students take only what they can carry. They are allowed to return for seconds, but this system slows down the common practice of over-piling plates with food that won’t be eaten. This type of program also allows schools to meet federal nutritional standards for breakfasts and lunches, while offering students a “choice” of how much to take. This strategy reduces food waste by not making students take food that they don’t like or won’t eat.

What else can I do with it? Make compost at home... You can add the following items of food waste to your compost bin:Fruit and vegetable peelings, seeds and coresTea bagsCoffee grounds and filter papersPaper towels or tissues (not if they have touched meat)Egg shellsYou cannot compost: cooked food, fish, meat or dairy products.