Paris, Tenn.– It is a problem seen in so many schools these days. Unwanted, unopened food and drinks are being thrown in the trash at the end of the lunch period when some children are still hungry for more.
There is a trend taking place in schools nationwide that goes back to a simple principle that we all learned in pre-school – sharing. Implemented earlier in the year by the Henry Co. School System, share tables have become a terrific way to minimize waste, and ensure children who want more to eat or drink have that opportunity.
Paris Elementary School is the latest school in our area to implement a share table in their cafeteria. “We are thrilled that the share table program has been adopted at Paris Elementary,” according to PTO Board Member Kim Patterson. “Not only does it cut down on wasted food and give students who are still hungry some extra nutrition, it also promotes compassion and sharing which is a lesson that goes beyond the classroom. PES collects Boxtops for Education every year to invest in items and programs that directly benefit our students. This year we were pleased to purchase a glass front mini-fridge with some of our Boxtops funds to support this wonderful program,”
Patterson said the PES cafeteria manager Amanda Parrish has done an excellent job of promoting the idea of the share table with students. On the first day of the share table, many children noted they wanted to purchase an extra milk to share with others. In the words of Parrish, “Sharing is caring.”
Photo of Share Table after first meal was served–a lot of sharing going on. (Amanda Parrish photo).
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