PGCPS adopts formal procedure to reduce school food waste, expands composting and local procurement pilots

Prince George’s County Public Schools on Dec. 10 presented a new administrative procedure aimed at cutting food waste across the district and increasing use of locally produced foods.

Sarah Gillespie, recycling technician in the Department of Sustainability and Resilience, described Administrative Procedure 0111 as “implementing best practices for utilizing food resources and decreasing wasted food in PGCPS,” and said the procedure formalizes strategies including offer‑versus‑serve, share tables, food donation and composting.

The procedure codifies existing cafeteria practices and gives staff clearer guidance, Gillespie said. She described offer‑versus‑serve as a way to reduce plate waste by letting students choose components of a reimbursable meal; under the guidance a reimbursable meal must include at least three of five components, and one must be a fruit or…