Plastic-Free Lunch Day
What is Plastic-Free Lunch Day?
A day when school lunch is prepared without plastic! An action day to reduce as much plastic as possible. A way to protect the environment and student health. A way to provide a glimpse of a plastic-free school cafeteria future. A way to connect with students everywhere, who are taking climate action in their cafeteria.
We are excited to announce Chicago Public Schools will be participating in Plastic Free Lunch Day USA on April 20. Plastic Free Lunch Day is a nationwide initiative to reduce plastic food-ware and packaging in school cafeterias across the country.
At all Aramark schools, NSS will be reducing plastic food-ware at lunch by serving a meal that does not require single-use cutlery kits. That means there will be NO throw-away plastic in the cafeteria. These schools will be serving ZERO PLASTIC on that day. Students will instead enjoy a menu of handheld items and student favorites.
Dining managers have all been provided guidance to serve a meal without sporks or utensils. Students will use napkins only. Items served will not use plastic wrap, cups, or baggies. Condiments, such as ketchup and ranch will be served in a squeeze-bottle eliminating packets.
Plastic Free Lunch Day (PFLD) on April 20th provides an opportunity for students to learn about plastic pollution and for students and school food staff to take meaningful plastic-reduction action. Learn more about Plastic Free Lunch Day at plasticfreelunch.org. We encourage teachers, staff, and families to check out this website for the latest resources including a lesson on the climate connection, as well as other lessons, activities, with students.
