The Circular Food Innovators Fund (the Fund) aims to support local small businesses (both for-profit and not-for-profit) in the delivery of projects that will make progress toward eliminating single-use and takeaway items in Toronto and achieving a more circular food system.
The Fund offers grant funding starting at $5,000 and up to a maximum of $35,000 for eligible projects that implement or expand reuse systems by incorporating the use of reusable foodservice ware, such as reusable takeout containers, and investing in the systems that support their ongoing use.
Eligible projects must implement a new reuse system, or demonstrably enhance an existing reuse system, where food or beverages are:
- being provided for takeaway consumption, which may include food distributed by vendors at public markets and events
- being provided for delivery, which may include catering services
The Fund offers businesses the opportunity to demonstrate sustainability leadership and accelerate progress towards their waste reduction goals. A maximum of $250,000 of total grant funding is available. The Fund is accepting applications until February 27, 2024.
The City will host two information sessions to review the program goals, eligibility criteria and important dates and answer questions about the Fund on January 25 and February 13, 2024. Learn more here.
Feel free to share this circular economy funding opportunity to anyone you think would be interested!
Please direct further inquiries about the Fund to circulareconomy@toronto.ca
