Australian school students throw out tonnes of edible food each year. How can the Hunter Valley’s healthy-canteens make a difference?

Food waste uses water, fertiliser and diesel and produces methane. And lunchbox waste counts too.

Here’s some Catering Maitland lunch-packing tips for families:

• Let the child repack leftovers so you see what’s untouched.
• Aim for one main + two sides + water rule.
• Use bento-style boxes to keep textures separate.