Call for Applications: Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants (US)

These locations offer ideal conditions for piloting reusable foodware systems due to their controlled operations and typically high volume of meals served.

Priorities

• Funding for Alameda County-based, closed-environment projects will be allocated in the following order of priority:
  • K-12 Schools
    • Top priority is given to projects at K-12 schools, with plans to convert multiple schools.
    • Preference will be given to schools with high percentages of students eligible to receive free and reduced-cost lunch.
    • While private schools are eligible, publicly funded schools will be prioritized.
  • Multi-Building Campuses and Large Institutions
    • While private and non-academic campuses will be considered, preference will be given to public academic campuses.
    • Examples of eligible large institutions include, but are not limited to: hospitals and healthcare facilities with on-site cafeterias, and corporate campuses with on-site employee dining facilities.
  • New StopWaste Grantees
    • Previously awarded StopWaste grantees are eligible to apply; however, priority will be given to new projects that have not received funding before. (Current StopWaste grantees with open contracts are not eligible to apply for the Equipment Grants opening on January 6th, 2025).
  • Project Location
    • While proposals located in all parts of Alameda County are encouraged, priority will be given to projects located in eastern and southern Alameda County.

Funding Information

• A total of $200,000 is available for this grant cycle.
• Proposals ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 will be considered.

Eligible Projects

• Eligible projects must:
  • Replace disposable foodware with reusable solutions.
  • Take place in closed-environment cafeterias or similar dining facilities serving at least 150 meals per day. (For lower volume, please contact Ben Duggan before applying).
  • Align with Reusable Cafeteria Grant Priorities.
  • Projects must take place in Alameda County.
• Examples of eligible projects:
  • Purchasing reusable foodware to replace disposables and using existing or installing new dishwashing equipment for dishware washing.
  • Purchasing reusable foodware to replace disposables and partnering with third-party dishwashing services for dishware washing and redistribution.
  • Partnering with third-party reusable foodware vendors and/or service providers for dishware supply, collection, washing, and redistribution.

Ineligible Projects

• Projects replacing disposables with reusables at restaurants, cafés, or in retail food courts and markets are not eligible for funding
• Open-system reusable foodware projects, where reusable containers are taken off-site and returned later (e.g., take-out, to-go or “grab and go” settings) are not eligible.
• Projects focusing on recycling or composting foodware are not eligible for funding.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following can apply:
  • Nonprofits, businesses, institutions, public and private schools, and school districts.
  • Reusable foodware vendors and service providers. (Must identify a specific project and location to implement reusable foodware, name key contact/players, and provide letters of support).
  • Current StopWaste grantees with open contracts are not eligible to apply for the Equipment Grants opening on January 6th, 2025.
• Eligible closed-environment locations include:
  • K-12 Schools: Dining areas in public and private schools.
  • Colleges and Universities: Dining facilities in higher education institutions.
  • Corporate Campuses: On-site cafeterias serving employees.
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions: Dine-in food service operations within medical facilities.
  • Other Large Institutions: Any organization with a closed-environment, cafeteria-style dining facility.

For more information, visit StopWaste.