Circular Food Innovators Fund_deadline Feb 27, 2024

The City of Toronto has recently launched a new funding opportunity that may be of interest to both your organization and your members. The application deadline is approaching – applications must be submitted by February 27, 2024 via the Circular Food Innovators Fund website.

The Circular Food Innovators Fund (the Fund) aims to support local small businesses (both for-profit and not-for-profit) and BIAs in the delivery of projects that will make progress toward eliminating single-use and takeaway items in Toronto and achieving a more circular food system.

The Fund offers grant funding starting at $5,000 and up to a maximum of $35,000 for eligible projects that implement or expand reuse systems by incorporating the use of reusable foodservice ware, such as reusable takeout containers, and investing in the systems that support their ongoing use.

Eligible projects must implement a new reuse system, or demonstrably enhance an existing reuse system, where food or beverages are:

being provided for takeaway consumption, which may include food distributed by vendors at public markets and events
being provided for delivery, which may include catering services

The Fund offers businesses the opportunity to demonstrate sustainability leadership and accelerate progress towards their waste reduction goals. A maximum of $250,000 of total grant funding is available. The Fund is accepting applications until February 27, 2024.

The City is hosting a final information session to review the program goals, eligibility criteria and important dates and answer questions about the Fund on February 13, 2024. Register here.

Feel free to share this circular economy funding opportunity to anyone you think would be interested!