There is no published FA/indirect cap.

Multiple interventions can be submitted in one application. DEQ is interested in funding projects that support more than one intervention category (food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting). DEQ will only accept one application per institution.

Yes, temporary staffing is eligible for funding.

Baseline measurement calculations and estimates for food waste reduction will look different for every applicant and project. For schools that already have programs in place, DEQ would expect that available data will be reported in this section of the application. Reported data should be supported by information about how that data was collected. For example, when reporting data on food waste diverted to composting, applicants should explain how that weight was calculated (weighed by hauler, weighed by student volunteers, estimated based on a representative sample, etc.).

DEQ understands that the level of detailed provided in these questions will vary. DEQ’s expectation is that applicants will do their best to report existing data and make reasonable predictions and estimates. DEQ is most interested in an applicant’s ability to outline reasonable data collection standards that will be able to measure and evaluate the success of a proposed project. 

Yes, infrastructure that supports food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting is an eligible expense.

Yes, equipment that supports food waste prevention, food rescue, and composting is an eligible expense.

When relevant or necessary, DEQ may decide to fund only some components of an application. If DEQ needs additional information prior to making funding decisions about an application, DEQ will reach out to the primary contact listed on the application by December 19, 2025. Applicants will have one month to respond to this request for additional information.

In-vessel composting equipment is an eligible expense under this program. Applicants should be aware that there are a variety of different food waste processing technologies, many of which are not in-vessel composters. Machines that exclusively dehydrate or break up food waste are not considered in-vessel composters.

EPA describes “aerobic in-vessel units” as equipment “which use the natural aerobic decomposition process and bulking additives like sawdust to create a semi-dry product that requires further curing.” An in-vessel composter produces a different output than grinders, biodigesters, pulpers, and dehydrators. Pre-processing equipment that does not produce compost would not be an eligible expense under the Food Rescue & Composting Program, unless that preprocessing equipment is necessary to support the management of food scraps that will ultimately be composted. 

Food waste slurries, semi-dry pulp and dry pulp are byproducts that may result from some of the food waste processing technology that exists in the market. These byproducts are not compost. 

For more information about the processes and equipment referenced above, see EPA’s Report on Commercial Pre-Processing Technologies.