Like most organizations that serve prepared food, schools typically have surplus edible food. With some planning, this food can feed people instead of going to waste. StopWaste works with school districts to implement district-wide food share and food donation programs to recover and redistribute K-12 edible surplus food.
Through grant funded efforts between 2018-2020, StopWaste assisted in the recovery of over 100,000 pounds (more than 90,000 meals) of surplus school food for donation. Rescuing food remains vitally important. StopWaste works withe the Alameda County Environmental Health Department and district partners to develop safe food donation procedures that prioritize feeding people and preventing waste.
Food Share Tables
What They Are
Food share tables are designated areas where students can place unwanted, sealed, or uneaten food items from the school meal program for other students to take. Items typically include unopened milk, whole fruit, and packaged snacks. While not a requirement of California state law SB 1383, food share tables are a best practice in reducing wasted food from the school meal program.
How to Set One Up
The Food Share Table Guide, developed in partnership with the Alameda County Environmental Health Department, provides step-by-step instructions on setting up your food share table program.
- Table location and setup
- Signage and labeling
- Food safety requirements
- Student and staff roles
- Monitoring and maintenance
Food Donation Programs
Partnering with Food Recovery Organizations
The Food Donation Guide helps schools establish donation programs for surplus edible food that cannot be reserved. The guide covers:
- Legal protections — Federal and state Good Samaritan laws that protect schools from liability
- Program models — Different approaches depending on your school's capacity
- Food safety — Requirements for handling and storing donated food
- Partnership development — How to connect with nonprofit food recovery organizations
Additional Resources
- Food Share Educational Video Series (4 videos for different audiences)
- Holiday Break Donations