Sometimes brilliance is hiding under a simple solution. In an attempt to reduce waste and give back to families in need, elementary schools in Orange County, Florida, have started a straightforward yet genius lunch program, and it's working wonders.
It's called a 'share table,' and at it, students can leave any unwanted and unopened food or drink packages, so anyone can take an item they want off the table. In addition, those who may not have had enough to eat can pick up an extra snack to fill themselves up. And, if the school day is over and there's still food on the table, administrators take it to the local food bank, church, or charity.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that as much as 20 public elementary schools in the county have a program like this in place. "Without this program, that would literally go in the dumpsters," one local pastor said. "It really helps us out."
One year ago, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a memo, endorsing this concept as "an innovative strategy to encourage the consumption of nutritious foods and reduce food waste."
(h/t popsugar)
In an attempt to reduce waste and give back to families in need, elementary schools in Orange County, Florida, have started a straightforward yet genius lunch program
Image credits: wuhanmommy
Students can leave any unwanted and unopened food or drink packages, so anyone can take an item they want off the table
Image credits: nhfcommunity
And those who may not have had enough to eat can pick up an extra snack to fill themselves up
Image credits: sustainable_america
Most people loved the concept and claimed it has spread even wider
Some, however, pointed out a few possible flaws
