Food Waste Reduction Grant

The Food Waste Reduction Grant aims to assist local governments, non-profits, and businesses in minimizing food waste sent to landfills. Administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, this program encourages proposals that enhance food donation networks or composting operations. Funds are to be allocated towards developing infrastructure for food waste reduction, ensuring excess food is redirected to those in need through food banks and composting facilities.

The purpose of this grant program is to help local governments, non-profits, and businesses reduce the amount of wasted food being disposed of in landfills. The Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS) administers the Food Waste Reduction (FWR) Grant through the Solid Waste Management Outreach Program.
With the release of this Request for Proposals (RFP), DEACS is seeking proposals that request grant funding to support food waste reduction through the expansion of food donation networks or compost operations, including collection and hauling.
Grant funds must be used to develop food waste reduction infrastructure by expanding food donation networks or composting operations, including collection and hauling. Excess food donation occurs through food banks, food pantries, or nonprofit organizations in which packaged food, prepared food and/or produce is distributed to households or individuals in need. Composting operations occur at permitted or exempt compost facilities and include the collection of food scraps from generators or designated drop-off sites.