ORCSD Partners with UNH on Food Waste Study

  • Posted October 21, 2025
A group photo of UNH students in company of Child Nutrition Director Maredith St. Onge.

Pictured from the left: Elizabeth Carstensen, Sophie Callahan, ORMS Child Nutrition Director Maredith St. Onge, Danielle Brazeau, Caroline Williams, and Julia DePuy.

DURHAM, N.H. — Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Child Nutrition Director Maredith St. Onge are proud to share that the district partnered with University of New Hampshire (UNH) Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND) students to conduct a food waste study aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.

During the Oct. 17 lunch period, middle school students and staff separated their food waste into four labeled bins: compost, recycling, waste and liquids. After each grade level completed the process, UNH students weighed the bins to analyze waste production and sorting accuracy.

The project, led by MSND students from UNH's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, raised awareness about the environmental impact of food waste while giving students hands-on experience in sustainability efforts.

"This is the second year we've offered this hands-on activity," said Child Nutrition Director Maredith St. Onge. "It helps students understand what happens to their food waste and gives them practical experience in public health education."

Results from the study will determine which grade level minimized waste and sorted materials most effectively. The UNH students plan to review their findings and offer recommendations for improving environmental impact during mealtimes.

“We are proud to partner with UNH on this important initiative," said Superintendent Shaps. "Like sourcing our food locally, this collaboration exemplifies ORCSD’s commitment to sustainability and provides students with a lasting real-world learning experience."

Food waste information was displayed in the school’s Learning Commons after lunch on a whiteboard, showing each grade level's performance.

To learn more about UNH’s Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MSND), please visit the program’s webpage.

A photo showing middle school students disposing of their lunch food waste during the study.

Students were invited to sort their waste among the different bin options.

Assistant Principal Carter is seen disposing of her food waster in the marked bins.

Assistant Principal Carter joined the fun and sorted her food waste after lunch.

A photo of UNH students in front of the whiteboard displaying each grade level's results.

Food waste information was displayed on a whiteboard, showing each grade level’s performance.