A Sunshine Coast farm is tackling food waste with its new Feed Your Food program, turning household scraps into compost to grow future crops.
Located in Forest Glen, Farleigh Farms has established a free community drop-off point where residents can bring accepted kitchen scraps that would otherwise end up in landfill.
The initiative forms part of Farleigh Farms’ broader commitment to regenerative agriculture, circular economy principles and community education.
“Every banana peel, apple core and handful of vegetable scraps has value,” Farleigh Farms manager Missy Duckworth said.
“Feed Your Food is about reconnecting people with the food cycle.
“The nutrients in our food don’t belong in landfill – they belong back in the soil where they can grow the next generation of healthy food.”
Australia sends millions of tonnes of food waste to landfill each year, despite much of it being suitable for composting.
Farleigh Farms hopes the program will make it simple for local families to take one small action that has a lasting environmental impact.
The program accepts fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells and other approved compostable kitchen waste. Garden waste, meat, dairy and processed foods are not accepted.
“We often talk about reducing waste, but this gives people a practical way to do it,” Ms Duckworth said.
“By dropping off your food scraps, you’re helping build healthier soils, support local food production and keep valuable nutrients cycling through our community instead of being lost forever.”
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The initiative also supports Farleigh Farms’ vision of becoming a living classroom, where visitors can learn about regenerative farming, composting, soil health and sustainable food systems.
“Our hope is that people won’t just see a compost pile – they’ll see the beginning of tomorrow’s harvest,” Ms Duckworth said.
“When a community feeds its soil together, everyone benefits. Healthy soil grows healthy food, and healthy food builds healthy communities.”
The Feed Your Food drop-off point is now open at the Parsons Road property, with accepted items clearly displayed on-site.
Residents can also find Farleigh Farms on the Peels app, making it easy to locate the community compost drop-off point and learn more about the program.
