Published: Fall 2022
Author: Zhu Hang
Since the implementation of the Anti-food Waste Law of the People's Republic of China on April 29, 2021, Canteen No. 2 of Wenzhou-Kean University has been taking measures to reduce food waste.
During the week, 150kg of leftovers is produced by the roughly 3,000 people who dine at Canteen No. 2 on campus. This figure drops to 100kg on weekends when many students, staff and faculty head off campus for their meals.
They have reached the stipulation of the Food Supervision Bureau that "the amount of the rest of the rice should be less than 10% of the supply, and other leftovers should not be more than 30%," said Liping Zhang, the person in charge at Canteen No. 2.
"In nearly two years, the university has expanded its enrollment by about 1,000 people a year, but the total amount of food waste each year has not changed substantially," Liping added.
A staff member pours students' leftovers into garbage bins in Canteen No. 2, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. [Photo/ Zhu Hang]
Canteen No. 2 reduces the amount of leftovers by improving food taste, increasing food variety and changing the environment. At the same time, it also launched some activities, such as students who eat all the food could get free meal coupons and fruit, to encourage students to develop the consciousness of cherishing food.
If you are wondering what we leave back on our plates, it’s staples such as rice, noodles and steamed bread. This is followed by vegetables and lastly meat, a canteen staff member, Rong Zhang said.
Five students purchase food to feed seven students. A considerable amount of food remains on their plates, Monday, Dec. 28, 2022. [Photo/ Zhu Hang]
The rice distribution in the canteen changed from providing each diner with the same portion, to a flexible portion where students can increase or reduce the amount of rice on demand.
Authorities frequently visit the campus to do undercover investigations and take pictures at the residual food collection site.
Although there has been improvement because of these policies, food waste still remains a prominent problem that needs constant attention.
"After all, the most important matter is whether students can develop the habit of saving food," Liping said.
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