Solutions for Reducing Food Waste in School Canteens

27.05.2025

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Title of the project:	*Solutions for Reducing Food Waste in School Canteens (acronym – SchoolFood WasteSolutions)*
Project No:	CB0600301
Programme:	Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021 – 2027
Project leading partner:	Latgale Planning Region (LV)
Project implementation period:	01.04.2025.- 31.03.2028. (36 months).
Project partners:	Latvia: – Daugavpils University – Municipality of Ludza County – Preili municipality government Estonia: – The Association of Municipalities of Tartu County – Peipsiääre Municipality – Kastre Municipality
Total costs of the project:	Total costs of the project are EUR 1 760 000,00. Eurpoean Regional Development Fund co-funding is EUR 1 408 000,00. Daugavpils Universitity budget is EUR 397 000,00, where ERDF funding is EUR 317 600,00.

The aim of the project: To improve the quality of school meals and reduce food waste in school canteens by 30-50%.

In order to achieve the aim, the following activities are planned during the project:

Introduction of buffet-style catering in pilot schools

Students will be able to choose their own meals and portion sizes. This approach promotes healthier eating habits and significantly reduces food waste.

Purchase of kitchen equipment and a digital solution for waste accounting

Schools will be equipped with the necessary equipment for buffet-style serving, equipment for preparing new recipes and storing food, as well as a digital tool for food waste accounting and student education.

Training for school chefs

At least three training courses will be organised for chefs in Latgale schools, in cooperation with foreign experts from Sweden.

Digital education programme for pupils

An interactive and game-based learning platform will be developed to encourage students to understand the importance of healthy eating and reduce food waste.

New recipes and menus

Six-week menus and a recipe book will be prepared, tailored to the buffet-style and preferences of the students.

Experience exchange trips

During the project, several trips to Sweden, Finland and Estonia will be organized to learn about international experience in school catering and food waste reduction.

Solution handbook

During the project, several solutions for reducing food waste in school canteens will be piloted. The most effective ones will be compiled in a solution handbook, which will also allow other municipalities to implement them in their schools.

The expected results of the project are:

• 30-50% reduction in food waste in pilot schools;

• improved food quality and satisfaction with meals among pupils;

• strengthening the capacity of local authorities to implement similar initiatives in other schools after the end of the project;

• Sustainable knowledge and resources: A handbook of project solutions and a collection of recipes will be made publicly available to all interested schools and municipalities in the Central Baltic region.

Target groups:

schoolchildren, school cooks and canteen staff, school administration and management, local government employees, parents, policy makers and other local authorities.

The implementation of the project will contribute to the development of a sustainable and high-quality school catering system in the Latgale region. Local authorities will gain practical solutions and knowledge to reduce food waste and improve students’ eating habits. The project will strengthen cooperation between Latgale schools, local authorities and international partners, while promoting the region’s transition to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient future.

This project is co-financed by the European Union. The Interreg Central Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 aims to promote cross-border cooperation to address common challenges and build a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive Central Baltic region. Programme website: https://centralbaltic.eu/. Official EU website:www.europa.eu.

Contact information:
Rita Ivanova
Daugavpils University
Senior Project Manager
e-mail: rita.ivanova@du.lv
phone No. 29857838

This article has been prepared with the financial support of the European Union. Daugavpils University is solely responsible for the content of this article, and it cannot be considered to reflect the official views of the European Union under any circumstances.