Plate Waste Evaluation of Plant-Based Protein Entrees in National School Lunch Program

Abstract

Objective: To assess plate waste of plant-based protein entrees compared with regularly served meat-based entrees in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Design: Plate waste data were collected before and after introducing the plant-based entrees, using digital photography and the quarter-waste method.

Participants: National School Lunch Program participants in grades 6-8.

Intervention: Two newly developed plant-based protein entrees were introduced into the menu cycle by replacing 2 regularly served meat-based entrees.

Main outcome measure: Student plate waste of plant-based entrees compared with entrees regularly served in the NSLP meal pattern.

Analysis: A total of 4,138 meal observations were analyzed. Ordinary least-squares regressions and 2-sample unpaired t tests were used to determine significant differences in waste.

Results: National School Lunch Program participants wasted plant-based entrees more than all other entrees served during lunch. Students wasted all or none of the plant-based entrees more than partial servings. There were no significant differences in waste between demographic groups for the plant-based entrees.

Conclusions and implications: Plant-based entrees served as a part of the NSLP may lead to increased plate waste than meat-based entrees. Novel food pairings and visibility of legumes may have led to increased plate waste.

Keywords: children; plant-based; school lunch; vegetarian.