Using funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program, DEQ is working to reduce methane pollution in the Commonwealth through the new Food Rescue & Composting Subaward Program. The program aims to reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills by investing in edible food recovery and composting programs at colleges, universities, and state agencies.

DEQ is now accepting applications for the Food Rescue & Composting Subaward Program. Completed applications must be submitted to VEEP@DEQ.Virginia.gov by Monday, November 17 at 11:59pm. Application packets are available for download at this link.

DEQ hosted a Food Rescue & Composting Subaward Program Information Session on September 9, 2025. The recorded session can be viewed at this link.

Questions about the Food Rescue & Composting Subaward Program can be submitted on this question form. Responses will be sent to those who submitted questions, in addition to being made publicly available on the Frequently Asked Questions page.