Reusable Foodware Cafeteria Grants

These grants are for innovative projects to replace single-use disposable foodware with reusable systems in closed-environment* cafeterias and similar dining facilities in Alameda County. These locations offer ideal conditions for piloting reusable foodware systems due to their controlled operations and typically high volume of meals served.

*In closed environment dining facilities reusable foodware (such as plates, bowls, utensils, and cups) is used exclusively for on-site dining, remains on-site after use, is collected, cleaned, and returned for continuous reuse. “Take-out/to-go/grab and go” foodware is not considered a closed environment.

Eligible closed-environment locations include

• K-12 Schools: Cafeterias in public and private schools (students who dine or are served at outdoor picnic tables, multipurpose room within campus acceptable).
• Colleges and Universities: Dining facilities in higher education institutions.
• Corporate Campuses: On-site cafeterias serving employees (to-go/grab and go NOT eligible).
• Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions: Dine-in food service operations within medical facilities. (to-go/grab and go NOT eligible).
• Other Large Institutions: Any organization with a closed environment, cafeteria-style dining facility.

Grant goals

• Develop, test, and implement reusable foodware systems and operational procedures.
• Establish financially viable, self-sustaining systems.
• Identify scalable and replicable solutions to reduce disposable foodware waste.

Who can apply

• Nonprofits, businesses, institutions, public and private schools, and school districts.
• Reusable foodware providers and services must identify a specific project, including entity to implement reusable foodware and key contact/players. Letters of support required.
• Organizations with open grants will need to contact their current grant manager to assess repeat funding eligibility.

Eligible projects must

• Replace disposable foodware with reusable solutions.
• Take place in closed-environment cafeterias serving at least 150 meals per day.
• Align with Reusable Cafeteria Grant Priorities. 
• Projects must take place in Alameda County.

Examples of eligible projects

• Purchasing reusable foodware and/or installing dishwashing equipment to replace disposables.
• Partnering with third-party reusable foodware services for dishware supply, collection, washing, and redistribution.
• Creating systems to implement reusable foodware in closed environment cafeterias.

Non-eligible projects

• Projects replacing disposables with reusables at restaurants, cafés, or in retail food courts and markets are not eligible for funding. For these, refer to our Reusable Foodware Mini-Grants.
• Open-system reusable foodware projects, where reusable containers are taken off-site and returned later (e.g., take-out or grab and go settings) are not eligible
• Projects focusing on recycling or composting foodware are not eligible for funding

Funding amounts

• Proposals ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 will be considered.
• A total of $200,000 is available for Reusable Cafeteria Grants this cycle
• If any funds remain after this application cycle, they will be available on a rolling basis until fully utilized.

Grant application timeline

• Application Opens: January 6, 2025
• Application Closes: February 24, 2025
• Grant Awards Announced (anticipated): April 18, 2025

Application support available

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact us to discuss their proposed project before submitting an application. Resources for equipment and vendor recommendations, cost estimates, logistical guidance for reusable foodware implementation, and hands-on help during rollout are available. This support is available both before grant applications are submitted, as well as during implementation of awarded grant projects. To request support, please reach out to Reusable Foodware Grant Manager, Ben Duggan here.

Reusable Cafeteria Grant Priorities

Funding for Alameda County based, closed-environment projects will be allocated in the following order of priority:

1. K-12 Schools

   • Top priority is given to projects at K-12 schools, with plans to convert multiple schools.

   • Preference will be given to schools with high percentages of students eligible to receive free and reduced cost lunch.

   • While private schools are eligible, publicly funded schools will be prioritized.

2. Multi-Building Campuses and Large Institutions

   • While private campuses will be considered, preference will be given to public academic campuses.

   • Examples of eligible large institutions include, but are not limited to:

     • Hospitals and healthcare facilities with on-site cafeterias (NOT grab and go/to-go).

     • Corporate campuses with on-site employee dining facilities.

3. Previously Awarded StopWaste Grantees

   • Previously awarded StopWaste grantees are eligible to apply; however, priority will be given to new projects that have not previously received funding.

4. Project Location

   • Priority will be given to projects located in eastern and southern Alameda County. Proposals from other areas are also welcome and will be fully considered.