To celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week in April, CSWD would like to highlight successful program that does just that AND feeds hungry kids to boot!
In 2022, a new initiative was introduced in the Essex Westford School District (EWSD) schools : the share cooler program. This simple yet effective idea has grown into a valuable resource, offering EWSD schools a sustainable way to manage excess food while meeting the needs of their students.
The Origin of the Share Cooler Program
The Share Cooler program was first piloted at Essex High School, where it quickly proved successful. Recognizing its potential, the program expanded in 2022 to all seven schools in the District as part of the transition back to pre-COVID meal service styles.
During the pandemic, meals were provided in condensed forms, resulting in significant food waste. As schools returned to traditional meal service, the child nutrition team sought a solution to reduce waste while also ensuring students had access to additional food if needed.
Share coolers provided the perfect answer. These coolers allow students to leave behind food items they are required to take but do not plan to eat, preventing waste and making nutritious food available to others who may want it.
Implementing the Share Cooler
Setting up the share coolers involved thoughtful planning and collaboration. Key steps included:
Developing Procedures
The child nutrition team created internal protocols to manage the program effectively.
Identifying Locations
Coolers were strategically placed near points of service and in accessible areas for students throughout the day.
Training School Staff
Clear procedures were shared with school staff to ensure smooth implementation.
Ongoing Collaboration
Schools and the child nutrition team work together to revisit and refine procedures as needed.
Funding the Initiative
The program was funded using school nutrition funds, made possible by the Vermont Universal School Meals Act and pandemic-era emergency waivers. These resources enabled the school nutrition program to allocate a small amount of funds for advancing initiatives like the share coolers.
Spreading the Word
Communication was key to ensuring the success of the share cooler program. Newsletters, emails, principal updates, school board announcements, and social media were all utilized to inform students, staff, and parents about the availability and purpose of the coolers.
Challenges and Solutions
While there were minor challenges in introducing the program, they were addressed through education and clear communication. The focus was on helping everyone understand the intent and scope of the share coolers: a simple, accessible solution for managing food waste and meeting student needs.
Managing and Monitoring
The coolers are primarily managed by the child nutrition team, with support from school staff who monitor cafeteria spaces. Although no formal data has been collected, anecdotal evidence points to the program’s success.
Impact and Feedback
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff appreciate that food isn’t wasted and that students have access to extras if they’re still hungry after their meals. The program has not only reduced food waste but has also fostered a sense of community and care within the schools.
Advice for Other Schools
For schools considering implementing a share cooler, the advice is clear: it’s worth the investment. The program has proven to be a win-win, reducing waste while supporting students and earning the appreciation of school communities.