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(Gary, IN) -- An innovative community composting pilot program in Gary has been awarded a $300,000 grant by the US Department of Agriculture. The City of Gary, in partnership with the Gary Food Council and the 2020 Farmers Cooperative, have received a two-year grant to implement the Community Composting Pilot Program. Approximately 100 households throughout Gary will participate in the program over 24 months.
The grant will support the City’s efforts to encourage households to recycle their food waste by using a tabletop home composter. Home or community gardens can then use the compost product.
The 2020 Farmers Co-op and the Gary Food Council will offer classes for participants on composting, gardening, and soil enrichment. Along with the training, participants will receive a household composter, compost bin, and a collection schedule to track the quantity and quality of compost produced. Involvement in the pilot program is free.
Participants will join one of four cohort sessions:
Sessions will run from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. once per week at FaithWorks, 1351 W. 11th Avenue in Gary. Glenda George Greene of Baby Greens Family Farm will teach the classes. Interested individuals can sign up for one of the four cohorts at https://forms.gle/bg3cUCBzP9SYP8q9A.
Dorothy Dickinson of the Gary Food Council says, "I'm a proponent of recycling and composting. We need to be concerned about the planet and future generations. I'm grateful to those that made this grant possible."
With the increased awareness of how composting landfill waste contributes to climate change, governments, organizations, and communities are implementing education campaigns, waste separation programs, and incentives to encourage individuals to reduce waste generation, reuse materials, and recycle.
“This program reflects the City of Gary’s commitment to reducing landfill waste, strengthening neighborhood‑based solutions, and advancing climate‑smart practices that benefit residents and the environment. Through investments in composting and local food systems, we are turning everyday food waste into a community resource,” says Brenda Scott-Henry, director of the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs for the City of Gary.
“While lessening the waste in our landfills, food scraps can become valuable nutrients for home gardens and helps grow healthier food naturally. We know that community gardening and composting strengthen neighborhoods by building stronger local food systems,” says Sharon Mallory, executive director of 2020 Famers Cooperative.
For more information, contact. Dorothy Dickinson dotdicki@comcast.net
