A video posted on September 1 showed the vice principal of a primary school in Wuyuan, a city in east China's Jiangxi Province, eating students' food leftover in front of them as an example of stopping wasting food. It aroused heated discussion on the Internet.

Some said eating leftovers is unhealthy, especially in the time of preventing and controlling COVID-19. But some said the vice principal's behavior would leave a deep impression on the children and inspire them not to waste food. Putting aside the debate whether it was an appropriate way, schools should play a crucial role in fostering good habits in young people.

One of China's achievements has been ensuring food and clothing security for over 1 billion people. So people born after 1980 have barely experienced famine or food shortage.

However, along with social progress and material prosperity, young people should not lose awareness of the importance of not wasting food. Not wasting food is a tribute to the labor of those who produce food, contributes to national food security, and is also a traditional virtue.

Students spend most of their time on campus, including meal times. That makes schools a vital place to teach them not to waste food. A report issued by the Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that primary and middle school children are also the major wasters of food.

It requires teachers to take the lead and set an example for students. Also, canteens should improve their operation. For instance, Tsinghua University has launched a reward program for those who empty their plates. Students have to take a photo of their plates after their meals and if their dishes are certified clean, they get points to win prizes. Hence, helping students develop good food habits is also a test of canteens' fine management.

This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Guangming Daily on September 7 

(Print Edition Title: Catch 'Em Young!)