Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Political Science

Abstract

1.1. This capstone explores the persistent issue of food waste in public school lunch programs and the critical role that grant writers can play in addressing this challenge. School food waste has become a significant concern, with studies indicating that up to 50% of food served in school cafeterias is discarded, contributing to both environmental harm and inefficient resource use (Schwartz & Cohen, 2015).

1.2. The paper highlights the lack of effective waste reduction strategies, and the underutilization of available funding sources aimed at combating this issue. Grant writers, who are often underrepresented in school districts, can secure vital funding to implement waste-reducing initiatives, such as better food storage, menu redesign, and educational programs for both students and cafeteria staff (Spiker et al., 2020). This research emphasizes the importance of grant writing training for existing district employees, which could enable schools to access essential resources without hiring additional staff. By investing in grant writing capacity, school districts can reduce waste, improve the efficiency of food service programs, and enhance student nutrition, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainability in public education.

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Faculty Mentor

Jeffrey Taylor

Departmental Honors Advisor

Greg Goelzhauser