PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Three members of Congress have introduced a proposal to try to cut down on food waste in U.S. schools.
Democratic Reps. Chellie Pingree of Maine and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon and Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington are calling the proposal the “School Food Recovery Act.” It aims to create a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that supports schools that work to cut down on food waste.
Schools represent “a tremendous opportunity for students to think outside the box, reduce hunger and cut greenhouse gas emissions,” Pingree said.
The bill, if approved, would provide grants for schools to help with efforts such as food waste measurement and reporting, prevention, education and reduction projects, the lawmakers said. The money could be used for necessities such as purchasing equipment and providing training.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Terri Raymond said food waste is “one of the most pressing challenges of our time and one that is solvable.”
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