Lacey Schools Create 'Share Tables' To Help Hungry Students

Lacey Township schools implemented a way to reduce food waste while helping students with room for seconds. The district introduced "Share Tables" in each cafeteria, Food Service Director Crystal DeCaro announced Wednesday.

Students can place unwanted food items on the table that they would otherwise throw away. If any student is still hungry after finishing lunch, he or she can grab something from the Share Table.

"This is a no-shame system for kids who are still hungry to grab a little extra food during breakfast or lunch time at their school," DeCaro said. "Plenty of students do not finish their meal, and there are a number of other children who would be more than happy to have that food."

Principals at each school will explain the concept to students as each school rolls it out next week. At the middle- and high-school levels, the items will also stay in a central location in the cafeteria for students in after-school activities who would like a healthy snack.

If you have questions, contact DeCaro at cdecaro@laceyschools.org.