The Fairbanks Community Food Bank has started distributing free compost to local growers, thanks to a new Biodigester machine installed in early April. This machine processes food waste into compost, offering a valuable resource to community gardeners.
The Biodigester can handle up to 700 pounds of raw food waste daily. The waste is added in three separate loads throughout the day, according to Sam Kirstein, the Community Development Director at the Food Bank. At the end of each day, the machine heats the materials to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and mixes them repeatedly, turning the waste into usable compost overnight.
By 8:30 a.m. the next day, the compost travels through a chute into a container, ready for distribution. Kirstein explained that this process is much faster than traditional composting methods in Alaska, which can take from one to three years. “What we can do in 24 hours, most of us who’ve composted here in Alaska have to wait one to three years to achieve,” Kirstein said.
After confirming the compost’s quality, the Food Bank began offering the compost for free to community members on May 1. Those who have signed up can bring a bucket to collect the compost. Kirstein mentioned that the community response has been very positive.
Community members interested in receiving compost can call the Food Bank to sign up. Kirstein emphasized that the initiative is designed to encourage a mutually beneficial relationship. “We want people to share the food they grow with our Food Is Medicine program,” she said. The program currently serves 830 patients and relies on fresh produce donations. “By sharing with us, we hope they’ll also benefit,” she added.
Though the growing season is just beginning, Kirstein expects fresh produce to start coming in by June. However, she noted that spring and fall are particularly challenging times to find volunteers, as people are busy with planting and harvesting. “By the end of May, we expect other opportunities for people to volunteer, and we will definitely need help during the summer,” Kirstein said.
The Biodigester was purchased for $133,000, marking a significant investment in the community’s sustainability efforts.
