Steere Farm Students Go ‘Food Smart’: How Their Composting Initiative Diverted 4.9 Tons from Rhode Island Landfills

BURRILLVILLE – Local leaders recently came together at Steere Farm Elementary School to celebrate students who significantly reduced food waste in their community. Through a program called “Get Food Smart,” these students managed to keep 4.9 tons of food out of the Johnston landfill and received environmental awards for their efforts.

Students in grades 2 through 5 participated as “Food Waste Rangers” during lunch. Starting last November, they composted food scraps and shared healthy leftovers with those in need. This work led to a remarkable 94% reduction in food waste at the school.

Kendra Gay, a facilitator with the RI School Recycling Project, praised the students: “They are helping to save the planet, one lunch at a time.”

The initiative was made possible thanks to district Business Manager Robin Kimatian, who partnered with the RI Food Recycling Project. This project has collaborated with over 52 schools across Rhode Island, aiming to fight food waste collaboratively with the RI Resource Recovery Corporation and the Department of Environmental Management.

Senator Jessica de la Cruz visited Steere Farm to witness the program firsthand. She reflected on how similar initiatives during her school years had a lasting impact on her. “These assemblies matter,” she said. The senator also acknowledged the school’s food service team, Chartwells, for their vital role in making the program successful.

Recent efforts include the introduction of a “share table,” where unused but edible food items are made available to those in need. This initiative alone saved 3,697 pounds of food from going to waste.

According to officials from the School Recycling Project, the initiative has reduced the school’s carbon footprint by 9.7 metric tons of CO2. That’s like eliminating the emissions from driving a gasoline car over 24,700 miles!

Jim Corwin, co-director of the project, emphasized the importance of such programs in fostering positive change about food waste and hunger. With plans to expand to at least 25 additional schools next year, the project aims to involve more students and amplifying its impact.

This initiative highlights how even small actions by young students can contribute to broader environmental goals. With a combination of education and action, the future looks brighter for our planet—and that’s something to celebrate.

For more information on food waste reduction efforts, visit the [RI School Recycling Project](https://www.risrc.org) or [RI Resource Recovery Corporation](https://www.rirrc.org).

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