Puerto Rico Rep. Tatiana Pérez-Ramírez, chair of the House Education Committee, has filed House Resolution 737 to investigate food waste in public school cafeterias under the Department of Education's School Cafeteria Program. The resolution seeks to determine the scale of food waste, its causes, and its fiscal and environmental impact, as well as whether public funds could be used more efficiently.
Pérez-Ramírez said visits to school cafeterias revealed that many students reject certain foods, such as brown rice, and throw them away, increasing daily waste. She stated the situation "requires immediate attention and solutions that respond to the real needs of our students." The resolution directs the committee to review the effectiveness of current menus and student acceptance of meals, and to consider new, more appealing menu options that still meet nutritional requirements. The House Education Committee may request data, statistics, documents and testimony from government agencies, municipalities and other relevant entities as part of its inquiry.
The committee has 180 days to submit a report with findings and recommendations, aimed at strengthening the School Cafeteria Program and reducing food waste while improving students' dining experience.