Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant

The Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is designed to support nonprofit organizations in reducing food waste across the state. This reimbursable grant program is funded through a statewide $2-per-ton recycling fee levied on landfill and resource recovery facility waste, excluding ash. These fees support various DEP initiatives, including recycling market development, public education, and technical assistance. The Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant specifically addresses the diversion of fresh and processed foodstuffs from the waste stream, aligning with broader environmental protection goals. Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofit organizations operating within Pennsylvania. The grant supports the acquisition of equipment necessary for food recovery, such as refrigeration units, transportation infrastructure, and other tools essential for redistributing surplus food. The grant requires applicants to complete a pre-application conference with a DEP Regional Recycling Coordinator. As part of the submission, applicants must upload a completed Pre-Application Document and, if applying for $10,000 or more, a Worker Protection Form pursuant to Executive Order 2021-06. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Single Application for Assistance portal. Paper or fax submissions are not accepted. DEP provides a help center for technical assistance with the portal, available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The department emphasizes equitable access and supports applicants from Environmental Justice (EJ) Areas, as identified using the PennEnviroScreen tool. Applicants from areas scoring in the top 80th percentile of environmental burden and vulnerable populations will receive special consideration. The grant application window for the most recent cycle opened on October 12, 2024, and closed on February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Although currently closed, the program is recurring and is expected to reopen annually. Applicants are advised to monitor updates and prepare early, especially considering required pre-application steps and documentation. Upon award, organizations must possess or register for an SAP Vendor Number with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are encouraged to enroll in the Pennsylvania Electronic Payment Program (PEPP) to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Guidance for these administrative steps is available through the Office of the Budget and the PA Supplier Portal. For additional program inquiries, applicants may contact the DEP representative at jesshillad@pa.gov or by phone at 717-787-0125.

Applicants in EJ Areas receive special consideration. Ensure all forms including Worker Protection and Pre-Application documents are uploaded by the final deadline.