Home Grown - Springfield Press Release

Students from the environmental science program at Springfield Renaissance School have collaborated with Home Grown Springfield, the culinary and nutrition program of Springfield Public Schools, to instigate a significant change in the school meal experience. The 9th-grade representatives conducted thorough research, developed a comprehensive proposal, and presented it to the Sodexo team in June 2023, advocating for the implementation of biodegradable trays instead of the existing Styrofoam trays.

Focusing on environmental impact and waste reduction, Renaissance students joined forces with Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo, RISE Academy, and Van Sickle Academy representatives in October to garner support for the initiative across the campus. These discussions align with the mission of Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo's Student Ambassador Program, which encourages students to voice their opinions on school meals, fostering meaningful change within their school communities.

Karly Dunn, Student Engagement Manager at Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo, emphasized the importance of student influence, stating, "Students are most likely to participate in a program on which they have direct influence. We are proud to support and encourage student feedback."

Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo, in alignment with Springfield Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate initiative, supported the proposal by analyzing the operational costs associated with transitioning to compostable trays, including labor and federal meal reimbursement rates. After careful consideration of student research and capabilities, Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo has officially announced the transition to compostable trays at the Van Sickle/Renaissance campus starting this fall.

John Donovan, environmental science teacher at Renaissance School, praised Sodexo's approach, noting, "Students are generally excited when they receive a generic email thanking them for sharing their thoughts with an outside organization, so for Sodexo to come in and speak to them directly like adults and spend as much time as they did was really impactful."

The new compostable trays will be unveiled by students and representatives from Springfield Public Schools and Home Grown Springfield, Sodexo, during a celebratory rollout event on November 9th, 2023 at the Van Sickle/Renaissance Campus located at 1170 Carew St., Springfield, MA.

Springfield Public Schools reaffirms its commitment to creating 21st-century leaders and ensuring students graduate college and career-ready. Home Grown Springfield, the food service program of Springfield Public Schools, continues to enhance the quality of school meals, fostering academic achievement and a culture of equity and proficiency.