Long Branch schools farmer's markets, composting from food scraps gets special NJ honor
LONG BRANCH - The district's leaders brought something special back from their annual pilgrimage to the school board workshop in Atlantic City: the Sustainability Champions award.
The honor was bestowed on the district from Sustainable New Jersey, a nonprofit that helps towns and schools make community efforts to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental equity. As of 2020, at least 219 towns and 321 schools achieved certification in the program. In return, the nonprofit connects the schools to grant opportunities, awarding nearly $6 million in funds since the program started in 2009.
“As we stand at the climate crossroads, what we do now will define the fate of the planet and human life on it," said Randall Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey. "That is why the accomplishments of the 2022 Sustainability Champion award recipients are so important. They demonstrate what is possible when you combine vision, hard work and collaboration."
Both the Long Branch Middle School and George L. Catrambone Elementary School received the champions award. One of the main programs that got them the achievement were their farmer's markets. Students at these schools help raise crops in the schools' gardens, which they then give out for free at their farmer's market in the lunch room. Produce includes peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants and zucchinis.
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"The dedication our students and teachers have shown is nothing short of incredible," said Superintendent Francisco E. Rodriguez.
He said sustainability education is "near and dear" to school officials' hearts and they're working to promote a sustainable mindset not only in the schools but throughout the Long Branch community.
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Through the program the district won a Waste Pilot Grant that allowed it to purchase an industrial composter at the Cantrambone school. The composter turns up to 250 pounds of food waste a day into rich compost that is mixed with soil at the district's gardens and facilities. It usually takes the machine about 12 hours to turn out a five-gallon bucket of compost.
Students participate by sorting the food waste at lunch using a sorting table in the cafeteria. The waste then gets added to the machine by adult staff members.
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When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Long Branch NJ schools receive Sustainability Champions award
