Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants

The Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants, administered by StopWaste, a public agency committed to waste reduction in Alameda County, California, are designed to support projects that replace single-use disposable foodware with reusable systems. These grants are targeted specifically at closed-environment dining facilities, which are ideal for implementing reusable foodware systems due to their controlled operations and high meal volumes. StopWaste's broader mission includes promoting sustainable practices across residential, commercial, and institutional settings to reduce waste and environmental impact. The primary objective of the grant program is to support the transition from disposable to reusable foodware systems in settings such as school cafeterias, college and university campuses, corporate offices, hospitals, and large venues like stadiums and music halls. The grants provide financial support for acquiring durable foodware items, installing dishwashing equipment, and contracting with off-site dishwashing services. The program emphasizes innovation and sustainability by encouraging applicants to propose creative, scalable solutions that reduce single-use waste in large-volume food service operations. Grant funding can be used for a range of eligible expenses, including stainless-steel trays, cups, bowls, sporks, dishwashing machines, bulk condiment dispensers, and milk dispensers to replace single-serve packaging. Facilities that cannot install on-site dishwashing systems can use funds to contract third-party dishwashing services. However, projects in open-system settings—where reusable containers are taken off-site—or those focused on composting or recycling, are ineligible. Funding ranges between $25,000 and $50,000 per project, depending on scope and scale, with a total of $200,000 allocated for this grant cycle. If funds remain, applications may be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants may include school districts, individual schools, nonprofits, businesses, and other institutions that operate eligible dining facilities in Alameda County. Vendors and service providers of reusable foodware may also apply, provided they identify a specific implementation site and submit letters of support from project partners. Current StopWaste grantees with open contracts are not eligible for equipment grants. Facilities must serve at least 150 meals daily to qualify, although exceptions may be made with prior contact and approval from StopWaste. The application process begins by contacting the program representative, Ben Duggan, via email at [email protected]. While the application window is not explicitly tied to fixed dates, funding may be reallocated based on remaining availability, which implies a semi-rolling or recurring nature. Priority will be given to publicly funded K-12 schools, particularly those with a high percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. Multi-building campuses and public institutions are also prioritized, especially those in eastern and southern Alameda County. Evaluation criteria include alignment with the program’s goals of reducing single-use disposables, scalability of the project, institutional readiness, and location-based priorities. Previous grantees like Berkeley Unified, Fremont Unified, and Albany Unified School Districts successfully transitioned to reusable systems with measurable reductions in single-use waste. These examples highlight the grant’s potential for significant environmental impact and cost savings. StopWaste provides additional planning resources through toolkits and case studies to support grantees in project design and implementation.

Projects in K-12 schools and eastern/southern Alameda County are prioritized; align with reusable replacement of disposables and high daily meal volumes.