Project Title: Solutions for Reducing Food Waste in School Canteens (acronym – SchoolFood WasteSolutions)
Project No.: CB0600301
Programme: Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027
Lead Partner: Latgale Planning Region (LV)
Project Partners:
Latvia:
– Daugavpils University
– Ludza Municipality
– Preiļi Municipality
Estonia:
– Association of Municipalities of Tartu County
– Peipsiääre Municipality
– Kastre Municipality
The total project cost is EUR 1,760,000.00. The co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amount: EUR 1,408,000.00.
The budget of Latgale Planning Region is EUR 375,000.00, of which EUR 300,000.00 is financed by ERDF.
Project Objective:
To improve the quality of school meals and reduce food waste in school canteens by 30–50%.
To achieve this goal, the following activities are planned during the project:
- Introduction of Buffet-Style Catering in Pilot Schools
The buffet setup will enable students to choose their own dishes and portion amounts. This approach encourages healthier eating habits and significantly reduces food waste. - Procurement of Kitchen Equipment and Digital Waste Monitoring Tools
Necessary equipment for buffet-style serving will be installed in schools, including tools for preparing new recipes and food storage. A digital tool will be introduced to track food waste and educate students. - Training for School Cooks
At least three training sessions will be organized for school cooks in Latgale, in cooperation with international experts from Sweden. - Digital Educational Programme for Students
An interactive, game – based learning platform will be developed to raise awareness among students about healthy nutrition and food waste reduction. - New Recipes and Menus
Six-week menus and a recipe manual suitable for buffet-style service and aligned with student preferences will be created. - Exchange Visits
Several study trips to Sweden, Finland, and Estonia will be organized to learn from international experience in school catering and food waste reduction. - Solutions Handbook
Various solutions for reducing food waste in school canteens will be piloted. The most effective ones will be compiled in a solutions handbook to support implementation in other municipalities.
Expected Results:
- 30–50% reduction in food waste in pilot schools
- Improved food quality and student satisfaction with school meals
- Enhanced capacity of municipalities to implement similar initiatives after the project ends
- Sustainable knowledge and resources: The solutions handbook and recipe collection will be publicly available to all interested schools and municipalities in the Central Baltic region.
Target Groups:
Students, school cooks and canteen staff, school administration and management, municipal employees, students’ parents, policymakers, and other municipalities.
The project will contribute to the development of a sustainable and high-quality school catering system in the Latgale region. Municipalities will gain practical solutions and knowledge to reduce food waste and improve students’ eating habits. The project will strengthen cooperation between Latgale schools, municipalities, and international partners, supporting the region’s shift towards a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient future.
This project is co-financed by the European Union. The Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 promotes cross-border cooperation to address common challenges and build a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive Central Baltic region. Programme website: centralbaltic.eu. Official EU website: www.europa.eu.
Project Duration: 01.04.2025 – 31.03.2028 (36 months)
Contact Information:
Ruta Priede
Project Manager
Latgale Planning Region
Email: ruta.priede@lpr.gov.lv
This article has been prepared with the financial support of the European Union. The content of this article is the sole responsibility of Latgale Planning Region and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.