As a major distribution center for food banks and meal programs in Western Washington, Food Lifeline's mission has always focused on people. So it was with their decision in late 1990 to add vermicomposting to their organization's work plan. The cash that Food Lifeline saves from paying disposal bills has special value to a food agency. Sometimes all it takes to secure a valuable food donation is a little money for transportation or other service. Food Lifeline receives as much as a million pounds of surplus food and household products every month from food processing companies, produce and grocery wholesalers, and supermarkets.
Professional staff supported by developmentally disabled employees evaluate every donation.
As part of this evaluation, Food Lifeline applies a hierarchy of uses for the food donations it receives. They distribute high-quality food and useable household items to people in need. Some food that is unsuitable for humans is sold or given to pig farmers. Vermicomposting offered an alternative to disposing unwanted food at the landfill, creating another step in Food Lifeline's evaluation hierarchy. Staff and volunteers constructed 30 large worm bins from used 4' x 4' x 2.5' pallet boxes obtained from an orchard in Eastern Washington.