About Us

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 TAWA Compost was born during one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t started as a business or even with the intention of becoming one. It began with our founder, David Alexander Velez, who was determined to address a heartbreaking contradiction: while families struggled to find food, mountains of edible food were being discarded. 

This wasn’t just a logistical problem for David; it was a personal one. He saw an opportunity to do more than just provide for those in need. He began rescuing food destined for the landfill and giving it away freely, allowing people to take as much as they needed, without restriction, in whatever way would serve them best. This wasn’t about charity—it was about giving people access to what they truly needed during a time of uncertainty.

Not all of the food was fit for immediate consumption, though, and David knew that nothing could go to waste. With the help of his friend Miguel, he took the inedible food and turned it into compost, using it to grow fresh vegetables at the Mott Community Garden in East Los Angeles. These vegetables were also donated back to the community. It was a cycle of generosity and growth that went beyond immediate relief—it was an investment in long-term nourishment, sustainability, and resilience.

Each part of this effort was a reflection of David's core values: honoring the earth, nurturing the community, and ensuring that everything had purpose. Even the crates used for food transportation were recirculated, ensuring minimal waste. What began as a response to a food crisis evolved into a practice that now saves 98% of materials from the landfill, regenerates soil, and supports local communities.

TAWA Compost wasn’t formed out of a desire for profit or to build a business. It grew from a deep sense of responsibility to the land and the people, grounded in the belief that we can all do more with less, and that the resources around us can be transformed into something meaningful.

Today, TAWA Compost continues to honor that purpose, grounded in the belief that, even in the most challenging times, we can create systems that nurture both the earth and the community. This is our story—shaped by dedication, not just to what we do, but to why we do it.