Oct. 29--When Woodland School District 50 launched an in-school breakfast program this year, it also got stuck with kids' leftovers. But the Gurnee district's unwanted food won't end up in the trash -- instead, it will stock shelves at a Waukegan food pantry.
After considering a handful of local nonprofits and food pantries, the district decided to donate the food to Waukegan-based COOL Ministries, in part because its food pantries accept milk, which is offered with each school breakfast, said district spokeswoman Jennifer Tempest Bova.
"It's a lot of good nutritious food, and a lot of milk and juice which is awesome because we don't normally get that," said pantry operations manager Gayle Olson. "Especially the milk, it's something we can't really afford to buy."
The district's breakfast program has served more than 21,000 meals since September, each of which includes two servings of fruits or vegetables, a whole grain or protein item and milk, Tempest Bova said. The breakfasts cost $1.25 each but students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch also receive lower-cost or free breakfasts.
Students are allowed to save nonperishable items to snack on later, but if they don't, the district has to dispose of them, Tempest Bova said.
Lunchroom trash bins full of uneaten food aren't a new issue for schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has encouraged schools to cut down on wasted food by letting kids control the portions they take, extending mealtimes and encouraging them to share unwanted food. A 2012 USDA memo to state Child Nutrition Programs directors said that while schools should be making changes to menus or quantities if they're regularly ending up with excess food, it's better to donate leftovers than let them end up in the landfill.
Lunch leads to leftovers, too, but typically involves hot meals that can't be donated, while breakfasts often include packaged items such as granola bars, yogurt, milk or whole fruit, Tempest Bova said.
Olson said they pick up donations from the schools twice a week and bring them to the COOL food pantry at 123 W. Water St. She estimated it adds up to about 700 pounds of food a week and said she hopes other schools consider similar programs.
"I just think it's really nice of them to donate it instead of throwing it away," Olson said.
lzumbach@tribpub.com
