CTSD is one of nine districts selected statewide for the Sustainable School Food Service & Cafeterias Initiative, a new effort to reduce cafeteria food waste, lower costs, and advance sustainable practices in K–12 schools across New Jersey.
Our Sustainable Jersey Team continues to earn scholarships and recognition across the state. They recently launched their Sustainable Jersey website and are working to get all four of our schools recognized for their sustainability efforts for the second year in a row.
This work reflects a real commitment to helping students understand the impact of their choices, both big and small. At Round Valley alone, the regular efforts of Ronda Ferri, the Sustainable Jersey Team, and the lunch staff, including Maschio's Food Services, our lunch monitors, and custodians, have reduced food waste by up to six garbage bags per day. A Terracycling program was also initiated by Adriana King, and Green Team Leaders are active in all four buildings.
The district will receive a $5,000 planning grant and is eligible for a $10,000 implementation grant to support sustainable cafeteria practices in at least one school.
Superintendent Dr. Melissa Stager shared, "This is a direct effort of our wonderful teachers who go above and beyond for students. Our Sustainable Jersey Team is made up of staff and community members who know small actions make a huge difference. Teachers truly make a difference, and we are here to support good ideas as they take root and grow our students."
The initiative is led by Hunterdon County Educator of the Year Caroline Mann, Ronda Ferri, Jennifer Desjadon, and Adriana King, alongside many other dedicated participants.
We are incredibly proud of our teachers and students, and grateful to the Board of Education and the community for their continued support. The full press release is below:
Press Release
Clinton Township School District has been selected to participate in the Sustainable School Food Service & Cafeterias Initiative, a new statewide effort to reduce cafeteria food waste, lower costs, and advance sustainable food service practices in K–12 schools across New Jersey.
CTSD is one of nine school districts from across the state selected to take part in a “Learning & Doing Cohort” that will run through June 2027. By tackling cafeteria waste, districts can conserve resources, cut disposal costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help students build lifelong sustainability habits.
The Superintendent, Dr. Melissa Stager, states, "This is a direct effort of our wonderful teachers who go above and beyond for students. Our Sustainable Jersey Team is made up of staff and community members who know small actions make a huge difference. The effort is across the district, but is led by Hunterdon County Educator of the Year Caroline Mann, Ronda Ferri, Jennifer Desjadon at Round Valley School, and Adriana King. You can see the other participants who equally give of their time here. Teachers truly make a difference, and we are here to support good ideas as they take root and grow our students. When the learning experience crosses through the classroom walls, all benefit.
CTSD will receive a $5,000 planning grant and is eligible for a $10,000 cost-reimbursable implementation grant to support sustainable cafeteria practices in at least one school. The district will conduct pre- and post-implementation waste audits to measure impact and help inform future statewide guidance.
“Reducing food waste in schools is not just about shrinking the garbage pile,” said Véronique Lambert, program manager, Sustainable Jersey for Schools. “It’s about changing mindsets, building healthier habits, and investing in the next generation of environmental stewards. When schools take a hard look at their waste stream, they uncover opportunities not just to cut food waste, but to save money, reduce emissions, support students in need, and deliver meaningful, interdisciplinary learning.”
The Sustainable School Food Service & Cafeterias Initiative is funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Gardinier Environmental Fund and is administered by the Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey, which manages the Sustainable Jersey program. For more information about the initiative, visit the Sustainable Jersey for Schools website.
About Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a free, voluntary certification program for pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade public schools in New Jersey. The program provides tools, training, financial incentives, and recognition to help schools operate more sustainably and prepare students for future challenges. Today, 67% of New Jersey public school districts and more than 1,230 schools participate. To date, the program has awarded more than $3.6 million in grants. To learn more, visit: www.sustainablejerseyschools.com.