Regional Recycling and Edible Food Recovery Grant

The Regional Recycling and Edible Food Recovery (RREFR) Grant is administered by OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) and is designed to support and expand regional edible food recovery efforts across Orange County, California. This grant program aligns with the state’s climate and waste reduction goals, particularly those mandated under California Senate Bill 1383, which requires jurisdictions to recover 20% of surplus edible food for human consumption rather than allowing it to go to waste. OCWR’s strategic goal with this grant is to significantly reduce the volume of edible food that ends up in local landfills and instead redirect it to vulnerable populations and underserved communities throughout the county. The grant supports infrastructure improvements and sustainable program models that enhance the ability of Edible Food Recovery Organizations (EFROs) to collect, store, distribute, and track surplus food. This includes direct support for building retrofits, cold storage, zero-emission vehicles, food-safe transportation supplies, and data tracking systems. Projects must demonstrate long-term viability beyond the five-year grant term and should support regional compliance with SB 1383 mandates. Priority is given to collaborative efforts that expand capacity in under-resourced areas of the county or introduce new recovery services. Eligible applicants include EFROs such as food pantries, food banks, food prep kitchens, and other food recovery or community service organizations. Social services and wraparound support organizations are also encouraged to apply, especially if they seek to launch new food recovery initiatives. Applicants can apply individually or as a joint coalition with a designated lead organization responsible for administrative oversight and compliance. All applicants must submit both hard copy and digital applications to OCWR by the May 15, 2026, deadline. Projects will be evaluated on a 100-point scale based on the quality and clarity of project descriptions, the articulation of needs and measurable goals, sustainability strategies, work plans, and budget detail. A minimum score of 75 points is required for funding consideration. Grant awards will not exceed $500,000 per project. Across fiscal years 2026–2029, a total of $6 million will be disbursed, with $2 million allocated annually. Funding is structured to provide an upfront 50% disbursement followed by quarterly reimbursements based on submitted reports. Personnel costs are eligible up to 10% of the grant request, excluding equipment costs, and must be directly tied to food recovery operations. The application window opens on March 2, 2026, and closes on May 15, 2026. A live Q&A session will be held virtually on March 19, 2026. Questions may be submitted through the OpenGov portal until May 8, 2026. Award notifications are expected by late June 2026, with formal agreements finalized in July and OC Board of Supervisors approval scheduled for September 2026. The grant term will end in September 2031, at which point final reports and unspent funds must be returned. All expenditures must align with the approved budget and occur within the grant period; unapproved or unrelated costs, including promotional items and food purchases, are not reimbursable. Comprehensive quarterly reporting is required throughout the five-year grant term. All awarded projects must also comply with OCWR's audit rights and data submission requirements. The RREFR grant program provides a critical investment in community infrastructure, enabling local organizations to recover edible food efficiently and equitably, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and food-secure Orange County.