The problem I am trying to solve is the use of styrofoam trays in our middle school. 

Why should we get rid of them? The styrofoam trays contain styrene, a chemical found in all styrofoam. Styrene can leach into your hot food, putting you at risk for things such as cancer, hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects. Styrene is also listed in the Hazardous 100+ list. Styrofoam is actually just extruded polystyrene foam(EPS), which is used to make our lunch trays.
Not only do these trays cause some potential health hazards, it also is horrible for the environment. Styrofoam takes up to 500 years to decompose and take up 25-30% of landfills. This doesn't include the large amount of styrofoam that end up in the ocean, however there is no studies about the actual amount of styrofoam in the ocean.
Finally, the new tray system would also save the school money in the long run. To buy 300 trays online would only cost $790, which would make its money back over the years since we won't be purchasing styrofoam trays constantly. Overall, getting new trays would not only save the school money, but help both the environment and the health of the students and teachers in this school.