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.