School Food Waste Prevention and Collection : Understanding Phoenix Public Schools' Interest and Challenges to Adoption

This research study seeks to determine demand for food waste reduction programs within Phoenix, AZ schools, while understanding the key obstacles preventing large-scale implementation. A literature review was conducted to examine school food waste challenges and potential solutions on a national scale. Concurrently, a digital research survey was distributed locally within public school districts in Phoenix, Arizona to understand different stakeholder perspectives in food waste programs by individuals who have witnessed a program in the past, present, or those who hope to be involved in a program in the future.

Representation from stakeholders across 15 Phoenix school districts indicated positive feedback from schools/districts that have taken steps to implement a food waste mitigation program. The results also suggest interest for school food waste mitigation for those who have never implemented a program, however, an uncertainty of where to start and fund these programs will need to be addressed to encourage city-wide adoption.