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.

The application period is now closed. 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 now closed.

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:

With the help of a Food Recovery Grant, Basic Needs, Inc. in South Washington County opened their food market in Cottage Grove. The market is stocked with food recovered from local grocery stores, conveniently distributing it to community members in need. The Food Recovery Grant supported the necessary equipment for safely moving and storing the food, as well as staff time and software to efficiently manage food donations.