This project, conducted by a 2025 Graham Sustainability Scholars team in partnership with Growing Hope Urban Farm, sought to strengthen community composting in Ypsilanti while advancing an equitable local food system. Growing Hope operates one of the area’s only accessible compost drop-off programs, filling a critical gap in a city without residential compost pickup. As participation increased, the program faced growing financial and capacity pressures.

To address these challenges, the team focused on expanding composting education and building models that could be replicated beyond a single site. They developed a comprehensive Farmer’s Guide to Composting designed to help other farms launch and sustain composting programs similar to Growing Hope’s, supporting the growth of a regional composting network. The team also created accessible flyers for residents in homes, apartments, and retirement communities, designed for both digital and print distribution to lower participation barriers.

In parallel, the team analyzed program costs and participant demographics to create a sliding-scale business model that allows the program to cover expenses while remaining accessible across income levels. In the short term, the project increases composting participation and diverts food waste from landfills. Over the long term, it strengthens the viability of community-based composting and supports a more inclusive, resilient circular economy.

This report summarizes the team’s work.