As a result of a classroom projects undertaken by sixth graders at Lincoln Middle School (LMS), Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) is implementing a number of changes to its food and waste practices.

Students in Jenny Hartigan’s class took part in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Guardian Program. They learned about the effects of energy use on climate change. The students used the information they learned to develop individual Climate Action Plans for their home life and then projects for their campus. As part of the assignment, students had to create posters, videos, or other communication devices to educate other LMS students on topics such as food waste, trash sorting, and water conservation.

Students also were required to work with outside organizations to implement solutions to the climate challenges on campus and beyond.

“The students inspire me with their creativity and willingness to take risks as they solve problems at Lincoln and in our community,” said Hartigan. “[The] Youth will have an impact on climate change.”

Due to the students’ advocacy, AUSD’s Food & Nutrition Services Department is implementing a number of climate-friendly initiatives, including:
• Signing an agreement with Dig Deep Farms to periodically pick up extra food across all our campuses.
• Re-establishing share tables (for uneaten, unopened items), as well as salad bars stocked with a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, at all campuses.
• Replacing plastic forks and spoons served with school lunches with compostable ones.

“The [LMS] students are extremely passionate about finding ways to help our environment,” said James Assia, AUSD’s Director of Food & Nutrition Services. “With their help, we have made some great progress in a short amount of time.”

These changes will help AUSD come into compliance with Senate Bill 1383 — which requires school districts reduce organic waste and donate excess edible food to a food recovery organization — before the January 2024 deadline.

Editor’s note: A version of this article was originally published in the AUSD newsletter.