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:
Use of Funds
Food Recovery & Donation
Education & Engagement
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.