Executive Summary

TAWA Compost is redefining sustainability by turning waste into resources, food insecurity into abundance, and challenges into opportunities. Born during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, TAWA began as a grassroots response to a devastating paradox: while countless families faced hunger, thousands of pounds of food were being thrown away daily. Driven by necessity and purpose, our founder, David Alexander Velez, transformed this crisis into a movement.

At TAWA, we rescue edible food and distribute it directly to individuals and families in 3 different counties—without barriers, limits, or judgment. Inedible food is composted, yielding nutrient-rich soil that have fueled community gardens like Mott Community Garden in East Los Angeles, Solano Canyon Community Garden in Elysian Park, and Standford Avalon Community Garden in Watts, where fresh vegetables are being grown with our compost, yielding great results. Every step of our process, from rescuing food to reusing crates, is designed to maximize impact and minimize waste. 

Our composting methods are designed for sustainability and accessibility. Unlike traditional systems, our compost requires no water, making it adaptable for production anywhere—even in resource-scarce urban environments. We rely on minimal electricity, a deliberate and innovative choice that reduces our carbon footprint while demonstrating that sustainable waste management does not require heavy resource consumption. Additionally, our operations are free of gas-powered equipment, ensuring the compost we produce is 100% free of contaminants and safe for agricultural use. These practices reflect our deep commitment to environmental responsibility and scalable urban solutions. 

Today, TAWA diverts 98% of materials from landfills, setting a national standard for circular resource management.

But TAWA Compost is more than a composting organization; it is a model for systemic change. Our work brings together communities, scientists, artists, and businesses to rethink how we interact with waste and resources. We deliver hands-on workshops, offer zero-waste consulting services, and design scalable solutions that empower others to adopt regenerative practices.

Our results speak volumes: over 200 tons of food rescued, thousands of families served, and a growing network of partners committed to sustainability. With funding, TAWA will expand its impact—scaling operations, developing workforce programs, and enhancing our capacity to transform communities through circular solutions.

TAWA Compost isn’t just about waste management; it’s about resilience, regeneration, and rewriting the story of what’s possible when people come together to care for each other and the planet. We invite you to join us in building a future where nothing is wasted, and everything has purpose.