Monroe County expands its Climate Action Plan with the Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program, aiming to reduce food waste, lower emissions, and engage students in environmental conservation

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is taking a bold step toward sustainability with a new initiative aimed at tackling food waste in local schools. County Executive Adam Bello announced today the launch of a Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program, a grant-based effort designed to help schools implement or expand food waste reduction programs.

The initiative provides matching funds of up to $5,000 for each of the 18 school districts in Monroe County, including BOCES 1 & 2, as part of a broader strategy to foster environmental responsibility among students.

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Bello emphasized that this program serves not just as a practical solution for waste reduction but also as an educational tool for the next generation.

“The Monroe County School Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program will not only help to educate students on environmental stewardship, but will also act as another pillar of our Climate Action Plan Phase II,” he said.

The initiative aligns with the county’s ongoing efforts to cut down on waste, lower costs, and protect the environment.

This program comes as part of Monroe County’s larger Climate Action Plan (CAP), now in its second phase. While the first phase focused on reducing emissions from county-owned sites and operations, this next stage addresses greenhouse gas emissions from residents, businesses, and institutions.

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By diverting food waste from landfills, schools will not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also help mitigate the harmful emissions that result from organic waste decomposition.

Legislator John Baynes expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the role of students in driving meaningful change.

“What better way to sponsor change than to collaborate with our schools and student leaders who are teaching us a new way to think about the waste stream and the importance of removing organics from landfills,” he said.

Legislator Sue Hughes-Smith echoed that sentiment, underscoring the natural benefits of composting.

“In nature there is no waste. By composting organics, we can reduce the amount of trash heading to landfills, and the greenhouse gases being produced. Instead, composting will create a nutrient rich material that can be added to soil. By partnering with our schools, we can take a step towards protecting the environment while inspiring another generation to care for it,” Hughes-Smith said.

Mike Garland, Director of the Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, highlighted the program’s potential impact on school waste management efforts. According to Garland, the Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program is an exciting opportunity for Monroe County public schools and BOCES to enhance their existing recycling efforts by reducing, recovering, and recycling food waste—one of the largest waste streams found in educational institutions.

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He also noted the added benefits of the program, such as diverting organic waste from landfills and sewers, educating students on environmental conservation, supporting local businesses through expanded composting efforts, and enabling excess food donations to those in need.

The Monroe County Legislature approved the program in a vote during its March 11, 2025, meeting, paving the way for schools to apply for funding in the near future. Schools interested in participating can find more details and application information on the county’s website.

This initiative marks another step toward a more sustainable future, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to be active participants in environmental conservation while making a tangible impact on food waste reduction in their communities.

To learn more about this program and apply when applications open, please visit: https://www.monroecounty.gov/des-school-food-waste.