Food Recovery

Food sharing prevents greenhouse gas emissions and reduces food insecurity.

What is Food Recovery?

Edible Food Recovery (2).pdf

Edible food may make up half or more of your school's waste. When this food rots in the landfill, it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

As of January 1, 2024, local education agencies with on site food facilities are required to recover and donate edible food.

School districts should establish a written agreements with local recovery organizations and keep records of their donations. These food recovery slides cover the basics of food share and food donation.

Find sample agreements, recordkeeping tools, and more from CalRecycle.

What is A foOD sHARE tABLE?

A food share table or cart allows students to return unopened/ uneaten packaged or whole food items at the end of lunch to prevent waste.

Shared food stays within the school community, meaning it's shared to other students or returned to the kitchen.

Food sharing can be integrated into your existing sorting and bin monitoring program by adding a space for students to return unopened items at the end of lunch.

Beyond benefitting the environment, food share helps address food insecurity. A food share table is an easy way for students access more of the food they like to eat or take items for later.

Useful Resources

Food Share State & Federal Policy

California Department of Education Bulletin authorizes food share tables.
California Department of Education authorizes students to take room temperature food items to eat later.
USDA Policy Memo on Food Share promotes use of share tables.

Pleasanton USD Food Share Procedures.pdf

Food Share Procedure & Signs

These food share procedures from Pleasanton Unified School District can serve as an example. Check in with your Nutrition Services department about their preferred procedures.

Find sample signage here. On canva, go to "File" -> "Make a Copy" to customize.
See also: CalRecycle's Food Share Resources for Schools & Districts

Food Share & Donation Webinar

This recorded webinar by the NCRA Schools Committee covers the latest in food share and donation at school.

Food Donors: Fight Hunger and Combat Climate Change

Food Donation Resources from CalRecycle

CalRecycle's website provides various tools for food donation, including:

Sample Donation Agreement
Model recordkeeping tool
Food bank locator tool

(b) Food Share Infographic (2).pdf

Nutrition Department Resources

Additional resources for Nutrition Services departments are available on the "District Office" page, including:

See google drive for additional resources.

EPA Food Recovery Challenge

Learn how to reduce and prevent food waste at school with the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge.

Start by following the wasted food scale.

FAQ (CLICK TO EXPAND)

Why should we have a food share table?

When edible food is wasted, it rots and emits greenhouse gases. It also wastes all the energy, water, and human resources that went into growing, harvesting, packaging, and transporting the food. But beyond the environmental impact, food sharing is a great way to fight food insecurity and make sure all students have enough to eat.

How do we get a food share table started?

Food share can start simply and many schools find that student are already practicing it informally! Students may already be leaving unwanted items at a location at the end of the cafeteria line. This can be formalized by adding a share table sign and making students and staff aware of the food share program and how to use it. Special provisions are needed to keep hot and cold items at the proper temperature, but shelf-stable items like packaged foods and unopened fruits can be easily shared on any table, cart, crate, et cetera!

Are we allowed to have a food share table?

Yes! Food share tables are authorized by the California Department of Education! Further, State law SB 1383 requires all organizations in the state, including schools and school districts, to recover edible food beginning January 2024. Check with you District Office and Child Nutrition Services Director to align on practices and responsibilities.

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