Top: Grants are aimed at colleges, universities and state agencies. Photo of food scraps collection bin on campus, courtesy William and Mary College

Applications are currently open for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Food Rescue & Composting Subaward Program. Using funds from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, this program aims to reduce methane emissions in Virginia “by investing in edible food recovery and composting programs at colleges, universities and state agencies,” explains DEQ. Subaward funds may cover the costs of personnel, program development and administration, signage and receptacles, equipment, infrastructure and community engagement. The DEQ anticipates awarding a total of $8 million to approximately 15 to 20 projects. To support applicants, DEQ has developed resources on the state of wasted food, case studies from colleges, universities and state agencies working to prevent food waste and compost scraps, and key challenges and trends, among other materials. Completed applications are due by November 17, 2025.