Monroe County has awarded grants to five school districts to help them reduce and repurpose food waste.
The Brighton, Fairport, Penfield, Pittsford, and West Irondequoit school districts will each receive $5,000 to support new and existing efforts to keep food waste out of landfills.
For example, Brighton plans to use the grant in part for its existing composting program. In Penfield, the student Environmental Club plans to launch a composting program at the high school.
In West Irondequoit, the grant will be used for efforts to reduce food waste. All of the districts frame their efforts as a learning opportunity for students.
The 2025 county budget included $50,000 for grants to school districts for food waste diversion trial programs. The districts had to apply for the matching grants, which max out at $5,000.
