Norwood Record Article “Schools’ Nutrition Addressing” “Schools’ Nutrition”

I applaud the school committee and the nutrition dept. for their efforts and educating the public on the food waste in our schools. I have had substitute teacher cafeteria duty in multiple grade 6-12 schools over the last 14+ years, so can only speak to that group. It is appalling to see the food waste that goes on, especially fruits and any vegetables. On some occasions I’ve even seen whole unopened milk cartons tossed. The kids only eat the carbs, sweets, or meat items. This issue exists in all the schools I have subbed in, so it isn’t just Norwood. It has gotten worse since Maura Healey decreed free breakfast and lunch for all Mass. public school students. When cafeteria staff were asked about the fruit and vegetables, the response was the Federal Nutrition Program as you elucidated in the article. I try to get the kids to take the fruit home. I strongly urge any parent or politician to show up unannounced during school lunches to observe what kids grades 6-12 throw out at lunch. It’s a crime and a waste of taxpayer money. One solution is to have a basket or container at the exit area of the lunch line to collect unwanted fruit and/or any unopened packaged items to donate to the homeless or a food pantry.

Anne Mackiewicz

District 7 TMM