Schools across the country are creating and joining programs to reduce food waste from school lunches. In Wake, NC, the county has renewed its partnership with SHARE (Stop Hunger and Restore Earth). The county found that 20%-35% of lunch waste could be recovered. Students are encouraged to recover uneaten food instead of throwing it away; this food is given to students who face food insecurity. By the end of the year, 37 schools in Wake County will be a part of this program.

Monroe County, NY, is seeking legislative approval to renew grants aimed at reducing food waste for another school year.

Similarly, in Florida, a bill is working its way through the state senate to allow schools to partner with local food banks and non-profits to recover uneaten food. If approved, it will help 2 million families in Florida struggling with food insecurity.

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article314624767.html https://www.wxxinews.org/local-news/2026-02-11/legislators-asked-to-approve-funding-for-school-food-waste-programs https://www.wlrn.org/environment/2026-01-22/food-waste-florida-schools-doral https://www.islandernews.com/news/florida/south-florida-senator-proposes-bill-to-donate-unused-school-food-to-families/article_d0992a16-e237-4471-b1ae-8a055c2e0597.html