Monroe County Executive Adam Bello’s tentative 2025 budget would launch a trial program where school districts would receive grants for programs intended to keep food waste out of landfills. His proposed budget includes $50,000 to fund the effort. Districts would have to develop new or expanded food waste diversion programs and apply for the matching grants, which would max out at $5,000 per district.
“We really want to understand how the mechanics of programs can work, particularly in a pilot setting where we can really study and analyze them,” said Mike Garland, the county’s Department of Environmental Services commissioner. County legislators will vote on Bello’s budget proposal in December. A public hearing on the plan is scheduled on. Dec. 5.
The school district initiatives could take several forms. For example, one district might want to donate uneaten food to help feed people in need. Another might develop a composting program for food scraps. “We certainly want to encourage creative thinking, and we know it’s not a one-size-fits-all for school districts,” Garland said. He added that county officials hope school districts engage not just students, but facilities and kitchen staff, too.