DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Application For Prevention Of Wasted Food And Food Rescue Grant Funds To Support Food Waste Reduction Program
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize submission of a $180,000 application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue grant funds to support implementation of the 2024-2044 Solid Waste Management Plan to prevent food waste.
SUMMARY
??In Minnesota, metropolitan counties are responsible for waste management policy and programs to achieve state goals for waste management and that support the State Waste Management Hierarchy, with waste prevention being the most preferred waste management method (Minn. Stat. ? 115A.551). By Resolution No. 25-456 (September 23, 2025), the County Board adopted the 2024-2044 Solid Waste Management Plan (Solid Waste Management Plan). The County's plan incorporates the MPCA-mandated enhanced focus on waste prevention, including food waste prevention.
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?The MPCA has approximately $12.5 million available in Minnesota climate smart food systems (CSFS) Statewide prevention of wasted food and food rescue grant funding for projects that result in an increase in the amount of wasted food that is prevented or rescued for human consumption. The State grants were established with the purpose of keeping edible food out of the disposal system and conserving resources that went into producing food for human consumption. Grant funds may be used for new programs, staffing, or equipment/supplies for the prevention of wasted food and food rescue. Eligible projects include financial assistance programming focused on preventing wasted food or increasing food rescue. Political subdivisions of the state, including Dakota County, are eligible to receive this funding.
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?Staff proposes applying for this grant to support new programming to implement the Solid ...
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