WHEREAS, In a study conducted as a part of the Green Futures plan, food waste was identified as 30% of the Philadelphia School District’s waste stream; and
WHEREAS, 60% of principals and 57% of lead kitchen staff in the District describe food waste as a challenge in a survey conducted at schools that serve breakfast in the classroom; and
WHEREAS, A survey of cafeteria workers in the District showed that 64% of respondents said that at least half the food served is being thrown away; and
WHEREAS, Despite the district's best efforts, it is observed that a significant portion of food served during school lunches is wasted daily. This not only represents a loss of valuable resources but also has negative implications for the environment and the district's budget; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia public schools can manage their resources more efficiently by identifying the extent of food waste, helping to reduce costs by ensuring that food is not purchased unnecessarily; and
WHEREAS, Food waste contributes to environmental issues, and reducing waste helps lessen the environmental footprint of schools; and
WHEREAS, Excess food can be redirected to those in need which helps to combat food insecurity in the community, ensuring that nutritious food reaches students and families who might otherwise go without; and
WHEREAS, A more environmentally conscious and socially responsible generation can be fostered as addressing food waste can provide students insights on sustainability and resource management; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Authorizes the Committee on Education to hold hearings investigating the rate of food waste and determining distribution options for excess food in the School District of Philadelphia to allow schools to reduce costs, lower their environmental footprint, help those combating food insecurity, and enlighten students.
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