In an effort to waste less food, a brand new community fridge has been placed in the lunchroom where students can take or leave snacks.

Principal Kerry Lane and the Olathe East High School Administration implemented the new community fridge at the beginning of the school year, and it has already seen success.

“Every day kids check, and every day kids put something in,” Lane said.

The new lunchroom addition can hold many different foods, such as apples, milk, Uncrustables, Gatorades or energy drinks, and granola bars, but only if they are unopened.

Sophomore Alex Fisher said he loves the fridge’s convenience

“If you need a snack, but can’t afford the vending machine, you’re able to just grab it real quick,” Fisher said.

The community fridge has already become a lunchroom staple for countless students.

“It’s been very beneficial for people like me, who need more food,” sophomore Sophie Holmes.

The community fridge not only helps students get more food, but also reduces the waste Olathe East generates and makes the janitor’s jobs much easier.

According to Principal Lane, the janitors have had much less food to clean up after lunch, whereas last year uneaten snacks were scattered around the commons; students have been much better about putting this food into the community fridge.

In just 4 weeks, the fridge has already achieved its goals  and helped the community.

“If you’re hungry, just go grab it,” Holmes said.