Reducing Food Waste
Waun Wen Primary School in Swansea set themselves a challenge of reducing food waste at lunchtime.
What did you do and how did you involve the whole school?
Children and adults in school noticed an increasing amount of food waste both from dinners and packed lunches. Eco-warriors wanted children to hold a “Waste less week!” so children ate the food on their plate/packed lunch instead of throwing it in the bin. Each member of Eco-Warrior pupil voice group was responsible for informing their class, encouraging less waste and collecting the data. Eco-Warriors also wrote to parents on Class Dojo and met with the kitchen staff who recorded data on school dinners.
How and why did you decide on this target?
After completing the Eco-Schools Environmental Review along with the rising cost of food our Eco-Warriors decided to take action. As a school we support the local food bank and are aware that food should not be wasted. Responsibility needed to be taken for actions in order to lessen the amount of food thrown away every lunchtime. The children were particularly concerned about the amount of food that was opened and not finished so encouraged their peers to consider this when they ate their packed lunch.
How has the project impacted on your school and your community?
Here is an example:
Year 4 (KS2)
Packed lunches (taken vs eaten in full):
-
Monday: 12 packed lunches, 3 eaten in full
-
Tuesday: 13 packed lunches, 4 eaten in full
-
Wednesday: 12 packed lunches, 6 eaten in full
-
Thursday: 14 packed lunches, 8 eaten in full
-
Friday: 12 packed lunches, 8 eaten in full
School dinners – food waste:
-
Monday: 4 bags wasted
-
Tuesday: 3 bags wasted
-
Wednesday: 3 bags wasted
-
Thursday: 1 bag wasted
-
Friday: 2 bags wasted
How did you celebrate success and what are your next steps?
We shared success in our Friday Assembly with the children and staff. Mrs Gill our cook spoke about the huge reduction in the number of waste bags during “Waste less week”. Parents were updated on dojo and children were given the target of reducing food waste at home.
Next Steps: Monitor Food Waste regularly
I felt really proud. I tried some food that I would normally throw away.
Joe Year 5
The attitude of the children was fantastic. They each took personal responsibility for reducing food waste.
Mrs Nicklin Head Teacher
Fill out our form and inspire others.
Submit your changemaker story
Find out more information on the seven seven steps to success.
How it worksBe inspired by other success stories
Walk to School Wednesday
Read More
Ocean Friendly School
Read More
Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre
Read More
