The School Food Waste Collaboration

In 2011, about 1/2 way through the evolution of Food Rescue, I received a call from a student in Maryland that was asking questions about the structure of Food Rescue.  He had developed an interest in rescuing food on the campus of The University of Maryland.  Food Rescue was just one of several organization s he spoke with, but he and some classmates founded the Food Recovery Network in 2011, and 180 chapters have since been established on college campuses around the U.S., rescuing cafeteria food on campuses across the country.  Campus Kitchens has a similar program for college students.  We refer news outlets and inquires to these organizations frequently, and celebrate their efforts!  That's why we have connected with the student leaders of each organization in Indianapolis, asking for their willingness to mentor K-12 students involved with K-12 Food Rescue.  Our Lead Program Director, Jennifer Carmack Brilliant has met with a few of the chapter presidents of these organizations, and they expressed a willingness to help mentor some of our interested students.  Food Rescue connected WTHR as well to the work of the Butler Food Recovery Network, and they were featured at the end of the piece WTHR did on K-12 Food Rescue.  .  

http://www.wthr.com/story/31409615/food-fight-the-push-to-stop-waste-in-school-lunchrooms

Students mentoring students is a great way to impact change!  Some of the work of both organizations can be seen below, along with a photo of one of Food Rescue's S.L.E.I. groups gathering at FHS.  

Fishers HS Food Rescue Student Led Entrepreneurial Initiative Call Out Meeting @FHSfoodrescue