Kitchen News

Reducing Food Waste is A Shared Responsibility at School and Home

Due to the snowfall last Friday, our school declared a closure day, which presented significant logistical challenges for our kitchen team. Preparations for Friday’s lunch were underway, and the ingredients for the day’s meals had been ordered. Despite the school being closed, we needed to ensure proper storage of the perishable items. For example, meat is delivered fresh daily, and these deliveries cannot be cancelled at the last minute.

Given our limited storage capacity, we had to reschedule the menu for the following days to utilize the ordered ingredients. This is why students encountered a slightly modified menu at the beginning of the week. Such situations require great flexibility, and we do everything possible to minimize food waste.

Food waste is a pressing global issue that requires our attention. At school, untouched meals occasionally end up in the rubbish bin—a sobering reminder of the resources invested in producing that food, including water, energy, and labour. This makes it especially important to work towards reducing waste wherever possible.

Learning to adopt a mindful approach to food starts in childhood. Our school strives to emphasize the value of appreciating meals. We encourage children to try their food before deciding how much to eat. Parents also play a vital role in this process: setting an example at home and discussing food and waste can help children develop a more responsible attitude.

Together, we can reduce food waste—a crucial step toward protecting the environment and building a sustainable future. Consciously using food can save valuable resources and set a positive example for our children.

With simple yet effective methods, we can all contribute to reducing waste: plan meals thoughtfully, take only as much food as you can eat, and use leftovers creatively. Our kitchen team also strives to implement sustainable practices to ensure that meals are provided with minimal waste

Niké Györki

Dietitian