Students press Palm Beach school board to reduce food waste, plastics and Styrofoam in cafeterias; district cites steps under way

A group of middle- and high‑school students told the School Board of Palm Beach County on Wednesday they want stronger action from the district to cut food waste and single‑use plastics and to phase out Styrofoam trays.

Students from several schools described day‑to‑day observations in cafeterias and offered concrete proposals: mandatory “share tables” where unopened, safe food items are made available to other students; district‑wide recycling education and consistent bin labeling; compostable trays to replace Styrofoam; and school gardens to supply culinary and choice programs.

Lila Tubbs, an eighth‑grader at The Conservatory School, said unopened milk and juice cartons and large portions of prepared food are frequently discarded and asked the board to require share tables so usable items can be re‑distributed. “It is our responsibility as members of Palm Beach County and of the global community to do everything we can to combat this environmental disaster,” she told trustees.

Other students highlighted related proposals: Eva Kotowicz of Jupiter Community High urged a consistent recycling system and student education; Alexa Kratzis of Palm Beach Central called for reduced plastic packaging in cafeterias; Finn Butler and classmates urged an end to Styrofoam trays and recommended compostable alternatives; and Melona Conte, a senior in the Culinary Choice program, described how a school garden could lower ingredient costs and support food‑security efforts for families.

Superintendent Michael Burke thanked the students and reported the district’s food‑service department set a goal to reduce non‑compostable materials by 25 percent this year and noted the district purchased 806 cases of compostable food trays for Earth Day as part of the effort. He said staff would continue working on cost and supply challenges and that student ideas would be considered in implementation planning.

Several trustees highlighted existing partnerships: the Department of Environmental and Conservation Services, student sustainability clubs and community organizations were cited as models and potential partners for rollout and education. The superintendent and trustees said cost is a central constraint for districtwide changes, but they emphasized that procurement decisions should consider long‑term environmental and budgetary effects.

The student presentations were followed later in the meeting by a district recognition for student sustainability work, and trustees invited the students and staff to continue discussions with the superintendent’s office and the Department of School Food Services.

The remarks were part of the board’s public‑comment period and were not votes or binding policy changes, but trustees asked staff for follow‑up.