Cafeteria to Compost Resources
Garden School Foundation’s Cafeteria to Compost (C2C) program was conceived at 24th Street Elementary School after GSF staff observed the large amount of edible food thrown away every day in the cafeteria. We recognized the incredible potential of a cafeteria-based food waste prevention and food redistribution program to reduce landfill waste and increase local food access as well as educate students about sustainability and inspire them to take climate action in their communities. Now serving five schools and 2,000 students, GSF’s Cafeteria to Compost program diverts an average of 80,000 lbs. of food waste from the landfill every year!
Since launching the program in 2018, we’ve developed resources for educators and community leaders interested in starting a composting initiative at their school. On this page, you'll find an introductory manual to operating a campus composting program, along with a science-based composting curriculum, and a 2024 white paper that summarizes research GSF conducted about the challenges of establishing composting initiatives and proposes possible solutions.
Cafeteria to Compost Manual
GSF’s Cafeteria to Compost Manual is an introductory guide to starting and sustaining a school-based composting program.
Cafeteria to Compost Curriculum
GSF’s composting curriculum involves students in every step of the composting process, from sorting leftover items from their school lunches into compost buckets, to maintaining hot compost piles. Our program combines both in-classroom lessons that teach the science of composting and its environmental benefits with in-cafeteria with in-garden experiential learning opportunities. Students gain additional composting experience by participating in Compost Clubs that take place during their regular instructional day. Below you’ll find our science-based composting curriculum lessons and Compost Club skill books.
Science-Based Composting Curriculum
Don’t have a garden or composting program at your school? You can still utilize our composting curriculum! No on-site garden or composting program is required to teach our composting lessons.
All Hands on Deck: Compost & Climate (K-2)
All Hands on Deck: Compost & Climate (3-5)
Compost Club Curriculum
GSF’s Compost Clubs take place during the school day and give students invaluable leadership and learning opportunities. Our Cafeteria to Compost Compost Club Curriculum contains four skill books to guide students through the stages of the composting process as they take on one of four unique roles, including Cafeteria Captains, Compost Maintenance Crew, Data Scientists, and Compost Champions. Learn more about Compost Clubs and find our skill books here.
2024 White Paper: Feasibility of School-Based Composting Solutions
During the 2023-24 school year, GSF conducted research funded by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation to deepen our understanding about what schools and educators working within the Los Angeles Unified School District need to implement and scale campus composting programs. To view the findings, please see the 2024 White Paper.