USDA Composting and Food Waste Reduction Pilot Project

The grants will support the development and testing of strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. Projects can be located in all community types including rural, urban and suburban.

Composting and Food Waste Reduction Projects or Activities 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:

• 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
• Include a robust plan that describes collaboration with multiple partners

Funding Available:  $10,200,000 nationally; awards ceiling $300,000 and floor $45,000. Minimum 25% of the federal share awarded cost sharing with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or other in-kind contributions, which may be provided by the applicant or a third party.

Applications Due:  Sept. 1

Eligibility:  County governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations, independent school districts, Others (see entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Request for Applications/Additional Information: 

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

Recorded webinar:  https://youtu.be/61kOKn2rzUw