Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the launch of the Business Food Waste Mitigation Grant Program, a $4 million initiative aimed at reducing food waste from large-scale businesses across New York State. This competitive capital equipment grant program will provide funding for municipalities and non-profit organizations to create or expand food waste recycling infrastructure to accept food waste from businesses.聽 Diverting food waste from landfills mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, a key priority of the state鈥檚 Climate Action Council Scoping Plan.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,聽鈥淭his grant program is a game-changer for reducing commercial food waste and improving organics recycling infrastructure across New York. By funding essential equipment, we鈥檙e enabling businesses, municipalities, and non-profits to take meaningful action against food waste and its environmental impact.鈥�
The program provides grants in the range of $100,000 to $750,000 to eligible municipalities and non-profit organizations operating their own food waste mitigation projects or undertaking projects on a business鈥檚 behalf. Eligible projects include the purchase of food processing, management, and transportation equipment that collect and recycle food waste from businesses. Examples of eligible equipment include compactors, dehydrators, depackagers, windrow turners, forklifts, and food waste collection trucks.
This initiative marks a significant step in New York鈥檚 commitment to waste reduction, climate action, and sustainable business practices. By investing in food waste mitigation, the state is helping businesses and communities reduce their environmental footprint while creating a cleaner, greener future.