Eco-Leaders & Dawg-Patch Gardeners

Initiated November 2013, this model food recovery effort began with a partnership agreement between the Ramona Unified School District and the County of San Diego. This program was developed in order to address college and career readiness goals aligned with 21st themes such as global awareness and environmental literacy and follows the EPA’s hierarchy of source reduction, food donation and animal feed methods.  Additionally, AB1826 compliance requirements are met for the Ramona Unified School District.

All eight of the District’s school kitchens participate each day in diverting between 40 and 70 pounds of food suitable for human consumption, livestock consumption and compostable scraps. Food suitable for donation is collected weekly by a local food pantry and is distributed in the community to provide nutrition and reduce hunger Compost is utilized in the students’ County Certified Culinary Garden adjacent to the classroom. Students participate in all aspects of planning, growing, and harvesting. The hands-on experience continues in the special needs classroom kitchen where students collaborate, communicate and create delicious and nutritious meals. Academic subjects are brought to life and connected to the community while developing independent living skills, and purpose. This program exemplifies sustainability and environmental awareness.

As of 6/2016, 11.5 tons kept out of the landfill. 

*Each student participates in "Seed to Table" project and brings home fresh produce grown in the Culinary Garden.

*The fourth high school in the nation to join the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. 

http://www.ramonasentinel.com/news/2015/feb/25/Students-give-new-life-to-food-scraps/

http://www.biocycle.net/2015/03/31/school-district-rolls-out-food-waste-reduction/