Food Recovery Grant

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties.

Grant awards are up to $20,000.

We are currently accepting Food Recovery Grant applications. The application period will close on August 15, 2025. Applicants will receive award notification approximately 8 weeks after the submission deadline.

Download full grant guidelines here.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligible businesses include:
- Businesses (food donors)
  - Food producers
  - Distributors
  - Grocers
  - Cafeterias
- Food shelves and banks
- Colleges (donation and food shelves)
- Farmers markets

Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application.
All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota.

Use of Funds

Food Recovery & Donation

Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.).
Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase.
Transportation costs, including vehicle rental.
Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work.
Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts.

Education & Engagement

Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee).

To Apply

The application period is open now through August 15, 2025.

Applicants must work with a BizRecycling Recycling Expert to submit a grant application. The Recycling Expert will conduct an initial site visit of your location. At the site visit, the Recycling Expert will provide recommendations for food recovery and waste management improvements and discuss your project plan. They will help assemble needed documentation and price quotes for the grant application. Applications who have not had a site assessment will not be reviewed.

To set up your site assessment email info@bizrecycling.com or call 651-266-1199.

Other grant opportunities to reduce food waste are sometimes available through Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy. Please contact programs@recyclingandenergy.org for more information.

Additional Application Information

Additional information on eligibility, application process and evaluation criteria were shared at an online info session. Access the session materials below:

Kayla from Open Cupboard in Oakdale used a Food Recovery Grant to rescue more food from their partners with more equipment and drivers. They rescue about 45,000 pounds of edible food every week to stock their indoor market which allows anyone who needs food to get about 15- 20 pounds of food per visit to stretch their food budget for free.