Mid-Ohio Food Collective distributes tens of millions of pounds of food every year, but what little can’t be given away is now helping grow healthy produce at the Mid-Ohio Farm on the Hilltop.
Since January, MOFC has worked with Ohio-based Earth Peak Solutions to process unusable food items into nutrient-rich compost. While the occasional bad apple or squashed banana may not be fit for a family’s cupboard, it can still fight hunger by helping grow stronger crops, explained Mid-Ohio Farm Director Trevor Horn.
“If the food bank receives some damaged fruit, for instance, Earth Peak can turn that into specially formulated compost in less than a day, which keeps it out of the landfill,” Trevor said. “It’s a new, creative way for the food bank and farm to work together.”
So far, 16 cubic yards have been used on 30 apple trees and in 800 feet of Gardensoxx, mesh tubes used to grow green beans, squash, and more. Earth Peak donated the first batch of compost with future ones being offered to MOFC at a discount.
“It enriches the soil and helps grow more nutritious fruits and vegetables for the Mid-Ohio Kitchen and Markets,” Trevor said. “It’s full circle.”
