U.S. Department of Agriculture: Composting and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Project

The purpose of the Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) program is to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible entities to develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction.

This program provides financial assistance to municipalities, school districts, counties, local governments, or tribal governments (State-designated Indian Tribes, Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments) to carry out activities for one or more of the following purposes. While applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that meet more than one of the objectives below (inclusion of multiple objectives will be considered when ranking proposals), you must address at least one of the following:

• Generate compost
• Increase access to compost for agricultural producers
• Reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer
• Improve soil quality
• Encourage waste management and permaculture business development
• Increase rainwater absorption
• Reduce municipal food waste
• Divert residential and commercial food waste from landfills

In addition to meeting one or more of the above purposes applicants are encouraged to align their project proposals to address priorities on environmental justice, racial equity, climate, invest in disadvantaged communities and climate smart agricultural practices.

Priority will be given for each of the following elements that are included in a project:

• Anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits for the targeted community;
• Incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to agricultural producers, including community gardeners, school gardens, and producers;
• Integrate food waste reduction strategies, including innovative food recovery efforts such as, but not limited to, food gleaning, storage, and preservation techniques; and
• Include a robust plan that describes collaboration with multiple partners.

Amount: Projects will be categorized and ranked according to “Project Level” where level is determined according to the federal funding amount requested:
Level 1: $45,000 – $90,000
Level 2: $90,001 – $300,000

A 25% cost match is required.

Eligibility: City or township governments; County governments; Independent School Districts; State-designated Indian Tribes; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally-recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; and Municipal governments.

Link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=340906

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