Below is a list of resources and educational materials to support schools in their quest to reduce food waste.

The operation of using compost in school gardens to produce vegetables that can be served in school cafeterias falls under exemption in Chapter 62-709 for backyard composting or small-scale composting (under 100 c. yds.), as long as composting guidelines are followed, including disinfection and temperature monitoring.

For youth gardens, the USDA recommends using only commercial compost on vegetables, and using food waste compost on ornamentals. Some districts outside Florida use vegetable compost on vegetable gardens, but require very strict record keeping and maintenance practices, including a compost log.

Please see the links below for supporting documentation and studies.

USDA’s website on K-12 Schools Reducing Food Waste:

The USDA has a page dedicated to K-12 Schools reducing food waste at this link.

USDA on Food Safety Tips for School Gardens:

USDA SCHOOL GARDENS

USDA Garden, Compost & Waste Reduction Project:

This link provides access to a USDA flyer on school gardens and building healthy habits in K-12 schools.

USDA SCHOOL GARDENS FLYER

USDA Guide to Conducting Student Food Waste Audits in Schools:

Part of the USDA and EPA’s Food Waste Challenge

USDA GUIDE FOR STUDENT FOOD WASTE AUDITS

USDA Memo “Guidance on the Food Donation Program in Child Nutrition Programs”:

USDA MEMO

USDA Creative Food Waste Reduction Ideas:

This USDA flyer provides creative ideas for reducing food waste in K-12 schools.

USDA Booklet – What You Can Do To Help Prevent Food Waste:

HELP PREVENT WASTED FOOD

USDA Flyer on Food Dating for Safety:

FOOD DATING FLYER

EPA Food Waste Research

FOOD WASTE RESEARCH

Palm Beach County, FL School “How to Plant A Garden Guide”

This guide replaces the School Compost Guide formerly listed here in that the Guide is no longer available on their website, but the “How to Plant A Garden Guide” is located thru this link and discusses compost too.