Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grants

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)

What does it fund?

Activities that prevent food waste from being generated and/or becoming landfill waste and distribution of rescued food to people.

Who is eligible for funds?

Local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofits, for-profit entities, public universities and colleges, solid waste facilities, public school districts, and qualifying tribal governments.

How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?

Rescued food is used to feed members of low-income communities and households. Projects benefiting disadvantaged and low-income communities through education and outreach, job creation, and job training receive additional points during application scoring.

How do I access funds?

Apply through a statewide competitive process.

Funding timeline

No additional funds are available at this time.  Check the program website for an upcoming announcement on project awards.

Project Profiles

Read stories of projects funded by this program.

Cumulative Statistics

As of November 30, 2023

$24.1 million allocated

$23.3 million implemented

$22.5 million benefiting priority populations

569,395 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

76 projects implemented

2023 Achievements

Reporting period:
Dec 1, 2022 – Nov 30, 2023

390 full-time equivalent jobs reported