Edible Schoolyard, a program started 16 years ago in Berkeley and brought to NYC in 2010, knows what to do with food waste. Since its beginning garden, composting has been part of the program's success.
Compost in any garden reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. But more important, composting creates an amazing nutrient for making plants grow while retaining rich soil. For students in school settings, composting gives them one of the most practical lessons for living and handling food. It is just a step away from learning the lesson buying locally and supporting local farmers. Some of those "farmers" can be students--if Edible Schoolyard has anything to do about it--even in a NYC school.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
School lunch protests offer chance for negotiating with students
High schoolers protest. Middle school students just waste the lunches. Front page news at the NY Times.
Is it time for moderation or at least some negotiation?
Students at all ages need nutritious and good-tasting food. That combo platter is essential. So why not negotiate and offer some choices among several nutritious selections. Maybe pizza with whole wheat crust and different toppings or a pita falafel sandwich? One way for students even to be interested in making school lunch better may be to engage them in some food-to-table process.
True, it's difficult for any school--particularly in urban areas--to construct and manage a garden. But some like a school in Pennsylvania have managed. Others practice composting in school cafeterias by supplying containers for specific lunch waste. If the school has no garden, there are places in the local community that ask for compost waste. There are solutions. Ask the students.
Is it time for moderation or at least some negotiation?
Students at all ages need nutritious and good-tasting food. That combo platter is essential. So why not negotiate and offer some choices among several nutritious selections. Maybe pizza with whole wheat crust and different toppings or a pita falafel sandwich? One way for students even to be interested in making school lunch better may be to engage them in some food-to-table process.
True, it's difficult for any school--particularly in urban areas--to construct and manage a garden. But some like a school in Pennsylvania have managed. Others practice composting in school cafeterias by supplying containers for specific lunch waste. If the school has no garden, there are places in the local community that ask for compost waste. There are solutions. Ask the students.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
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