The Waste-Free Lunch Challenge is a school program that encourages elementary schools to decrease the amount of garbage they produce, and educate students, staff, and parents about waste reduction.
Since 2010 Ontario schools have prevented more than 100,000 kilograms (220,000 lbs.) of food and packaging from entering disposal through the Waste-Free Lunch Challenge. The average Waste-Free Lunch Challenge student is able to reduce their waste from 33 grams to just 21 grams per day. Some schools are able to reduce their waste down to just three grams per student per day.
For 2017 the challenge starts on Food Waste Friday (Oct. 20, 2017) as part of Waste Reduction Week and is now open to all elementary and secondary schools across Canada.
To participate and be eligible for prizes, schools must:
- Be a school in Canada (Elementary, Junior, or Secondary)
- Take the Food Waste Pledge as a school or classroom
- Educate students, parents, and staff by accessing the food waste resources
- Follow or Like us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
- Share your Waste-Free Lunch experience through creative videos and/or photos on social media using the hashtag #WasteReductionWeek
Your school could be eligible to win $250 to support environmental initiatives. One prize will be awarded per province/territory to the school who shows us their best effort to go waste free at lunch!
To find out how the program works, go to: wastefreelunch.com