September is here, and while the calendar says school is back in session, here in Hawai‘i it still feels like endless summer. That means beach days on the weekends, shave ice after school — and, of course, packing lunches again.
But with school routines also comes a big opportunity to make a difference: reducing food waste. Across the U.S., schools throw away thousands of pounds of food every day. Think unopened milk cartons, untouched fruit cups, and sandwiches that never get a bite. Luckily, many schools in Hawai‘i are flipping that story and turning waste into learning.
Through the ʻĀINA In Schools program, every grade tends its own garden. Students learn not just how food grows, but also how to return food scraps to the soil through composting. Instead of going into the trash, those leftovers fuel the next harvest. It’s a full-circle lesson that connects what they eat with the land it comes from.
At Haleʻiwa Elementary, students partner with the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation to go even further. They sort waste, recycle, and practice composting — skills that don’t just stay at school. Kids bring these lessons home, reminding families to think twice before tossing leftovers and to make the most of every bite. (In my own house, I get plenty of gentle reminders from my daughter about packing just enough lunch!)
Families can support what kids are learning at school by:
- Packing right-sized portions — less food wasted, more food eaten.
- Repurposing leftovers — last night’s rice can be tomorrow’s musubi.
- Using reusable containers — better for food and the planet.
- Composting at home — or finding a local drop-off site if you can.
What I love most about these programs is that they’re not just about food waste — they’re about respect. Respect for the food that nourishes us, for the land that grows it, and for the communities that share it.
So yes, we’re back in session. But here in Hawai‘i, where it’s always a little bit endless summer, it feels good to know our keiki are learning lessons that will last far beyond the school year: nothing about food should go to waste.
-Stephanie
