Share Tables are designated stations where children may return whole and/or unopened food or beverage items they choose not to eat. These items are then made available to other children who may want or need another serving during or after the meal service. There are schools in Florida and across the US that have implemented these types of programs.

View the information below to learn more about share tables, and how to implement them at your school.

Share Table information sheet from the University of Arkansas:

UA SHARE TABLE INFO

USDA Memo on The Use of Share Tables in Child Nutrition Programs:
USDA MEMO

Can food left on the share table be offered again as part of a reimbursable meal? 

Yes, but the county needs to obtain approval from their local health department (each local health department may have differing rules on share tables because of concerns about keeping food at the appropriate temperatures). If approved, the meals do not need to be marked as leftovers. See USDA share table memo.

Can wrapped fruits and vegetables left on the share table be sent home with the children?

Yes, but the county needs to obtain approval from their local health department because the county would be the responsible party if any food safety issues or complaints were to arise. See USDA share table memo.