Students at Chariho Regional School District Get Scrappy to Stop Food Waste
Community
A high school initiative is teaching students to waste less, compost more, and think greener, one lunch tray at a time
The Chartwells K12 team at Chariho Regional School District in Rhode Island is dishing out more than lunches these days – they’re serving up sustainability. With a food waste initiative in full swing, high school students are learning that what goes in the trash doesn’t have to go to waste.
The initiative kicked off when school officials took a closer look at just how much food was being tossed every day. Determined to make a change, the district partnered with the Chartwells team to launch a program to tackle food waste head-on. The goal was simple: less trash, more compost, and a whole lot of student involvement.
In addition to swapping styrofoam trays for reusable trays, students are encouraged to only take what they plan to eat during mealtimes, and smart sorting systems were implemented in the cafeterias with clearly marked bins for compostables, recyclables, and trash. With a little guidance and a lot of enthusiasm, students are learning how to sort their leftovers like pros.
The carefully sorted food waste is sent off to local composting facilities, where it’s turned into nutrient-rich soil instead of rotting away in a landfill. That compost then goes on to support local farms, creating a full-circle moment that ties the cafeteria back to the community.
Education plays a big role in this effort. Teachers and staff are helping students understand why food waste matters, from the impact on landfills to the benefits of composting. The message is clear: small actions can lead to big change, especially when a whole school gets behind them.
There’s been a noticeable dip in how much waste is generated at lunch, and students are more aware of what they’re throwing away and why it matters. Instead of averaging 19 trash bags per day, the high school is now down to only two bags.
Chariho’s effort isn’t just about cutting down on garbage. It’s about building lifelong habits and showing kids that being eco-conscious can be empowering and even fun.