Schools Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program

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Program Information

In 2025, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced a unique grant program for public school districts within Monroe County and BOCES # 1 and # 2.  The 2025-2026 School Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program provided matching funds to school districts located within Monroe County to start or expand food waste diversion projects. Between September 2025 and December 2025, schools participating in the program diverted 85,000 pounds of food waste to NYSDEC authorized organics recycling  facilities, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and helping lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2026-2027 School Food Waste Diversion Pilot Program will again provide local public school districts the opportunity to apply for matching funds for up to $5,000 for the implementation of new initiatives to divert food waste as well as for the maintenance and/or expansion of existing food waste diversion programs.  Schools that were previously awarded a grant remain eligible for this new cycle and are invited to apply again.

Application Information

Applications will be accepted Wednesday, March 11 through Monday, April 20, 2026 and must be completed through the online portal below.

Apply Online

A sample workplan and budget are provided below.

  Workplan Example (PDF)   Budget Example (PDF) 

To be notified of upcoming trainings and other announcements, click below.

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Application Webinar

The virtual training session for the 2026-2027 application process has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 12:00pm. Interested applicants are encouraged to register for this webinar which will provide an overview of the program, application process, and the opportunity for questions and answers.  A recording of the 2025-2026 application webinar can be found below. 

Register for the 2026 application training session:

Zoom Registration Link

Frequently Asked Questions

Can individual schools apply for the grant?
No, the application must be submitted by a representative of the school district, as the school district will be the legal entity to which the funds will be awarded. The district may choose to allocate the funds to one or more schools based on their discretion and plan.

Can school districts that were awarded a grant in 2025 apply again?
Yes, school districts that were awarded a grant in 2025 are eligible and encouraged to apply again.

What is the duration of the pilot program? 
The pilot is designed to last one year, aligned with the school calendar. 

How much funding can the school district receive through the grant?
The district can receive up to $5,000 through the pilot program.

When will school districts be notified of the award?
Notifications will be sent in the second quarter of 2026.

When will the funds be distributed?
The grant operates as a reimbursement system. The district must first expend the money, then prepare a progress report detailing the funds spent, and submit a request for reimbursement. Once the request gets approved, funds will be reimbursed to the district.

Is there a preferred food scrap recycling technology for waste diversion (e.g., donation, anaerobic digestion, vermicomposting, composting, animal feed, etc.)?
The County’s primary goal is to minimize food waste, and schools are encouraged to pursue any approach that supports this objective. Schools may also use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Wasted Food Scale to help guide decision-making and set priorities.

What type of existing recycling program does a school need to have in order to be eligible?
Monroe County Solid Waste Reuse and Recycling Regulations require school-wide recycling of cardboard and office paper as well as pre-consumer mixed recycling (food and beverage containers made of glass, aluminum, metal or plastic, clean of contents) in food preparation areas.

Additional Information & Resources

For additional questions, please email [email protected]. 

 

 

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