Abstract: An apparatus and method manufactures biodegradable food dishes and the like using a slurry of food starch and limestone which is formed and heated in a press into a shape of a food dish or food container or the like. The formed dishes or containers are removed from the press and trimmed in a trimming station, after which a lamination station laminates a biodegradable film onto food contacting surfaces of the food dish or the like. An optional step of applying a wax coating to a rear surface of the food dish or the like is provided. The now completed food dish or food container is provided to a packaging apparatus for stacking and packaging.