Roosevelt Youth in Action Students Present Food‑Waste Solutions at Rutgers University

Roosevelt School’s 3rd and 4th grade Youth in Action students delivered an impressive presentation at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, showcasing a thoughtful, data‑driven project aimed at reducing food waste in their school cafeteria.

This year, the students identified a challenge many schools face: uneaten lunches ending up in the trash. Instead of stopping at observation, they dug deeper—using USDA data to understand the broader issue of food waste and interviewing their school principal to learn more about what drives the problem locally.

Their research didn’t stay in the classroom. On April 16, the students met directly with the Aramark food service team, sharing their findings and offering honest feedback from their peers. The conversation sparked a collaborative next step: the creation of “Roosevelt’s Favorite Meal,” a student‑informed lunch menu featuring the proteins, fruits, and snacks kids enjoy most. The goal is simple but meaningful—ensure lunch is eaten, not discarded.

The project reflects the leadership, curiosity, and civic engagement that Youth in Action is designed to inspire.

Roosevelt staff members Ms. Gallagher and Mrs. Nolan guided the students throughout the process, helping them turn their ideas into actionable solutions.

The school community couldn’t be prouder of these young change‑makers who are proving that even the smallest voices can spark big improvements.

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