School Share Tables: Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York

Guide

School Share Tables

Guidance for Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York School Meal Programs

a table with fruit, un open chips and milk

Allowable Foods

Examples of foods commonly allowed on share tables include:

Examples of places to hold the food include:

Unopened pre-packaged cafeteria foods

Whole fruit with a peel

Unopened milk stored at 41°F or below in an approved cooling bin

banana, tangerin, chip bag, milk in carbor

Unallowable Foods

Items generally not allowed include:

Food brought from home

Opened food items

Unpackaged foods

Foods that can be opened and resealed

Perishable foods without temperature control

Schools should always follow local health department requirements.

open yogurt, salad, open chip bag, sandwich in a container

How to Start a Share Table Program

Schools should:

Obtain local approval when required

Develop written operating procedures

Align procedures with food safety plans

Train staff and volunteers

Educate students and families

Post clear share table signage

Monitor operations regularly

Best Practices for Success

Consider these strategies:

Place the share table within the natural cafeteria flow.

Assign a staff member or trained volunteer to monitor the area.

Involve students as share table helpers.

Use collected data to support food waste reduction efforts.

Evaluate procedures regularly.

Establish a plan for handling leftover items at the end of meal service.

In some communities, surplus food may also be donated to eligible organizations in accordance with local regulations.

Food Safety Considerations

Successful share table programs depend on proper food safety procedures.

Important practices include:

Maintaining temperature control

Monitoring and documenting food handling

Following HACCP procedures

Preventing contamination

Tracking redistributed foods

Keeping share table items separate from unserved food inventory

Schools should work closely with local health departments and school nurses when developing procedures.

State-Specific Share Table Resources

Download the guide that best matches your location to access state-specific additional resources.

Get Free Assistance to Reduce Wasted Food

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