Research That Matters Podcast - A Global Deep Dive

Episode 26: Utilizing Supervised Practice in School as An Opportunity to Increase Student Awareness of Food Waste Reduction Strategies Settings

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Publication Date

5-1-2026

Description

In this article from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, we explore how supervised practice in school settings can serve as a powerful tool for addressing one of today’s most pressing public health and sustainability challenges—food waste. Drawing on the Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (USU MDA) program, the study highlights how experiential learning enables dietetic students to actively engage in real-world interventions that both reduce waste and increase student awareness .

The article outlines four key strategies used in school settings: recipe development to improve food appeal, nutrition promotion events with taste testing, classroom-based nutrition education, and plate waste studies that generate actionable data. These approaches not only help reduce the significant levels of food waste seen in school cafeterias—estimated between 27% and 53%—but also influence long-term dietary behaviors among students. For example, simple changes in food preparation, such as roasting vegetables, significantly increased student selection and acceptance, demonstrating the importance of sensory appeal in driving consumption.

Beyond the classroom, the article emphasizes the broader implications for nonprofit and public sector collaboration. By integrating food waste reduction into education, programming, and community partnerships, organizations can contribute to national sustainability goals while promoting healthier eating habits. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how combining education, data, and hands-on practice can create scalable, evidence-based solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

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This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

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