Deadline: 8-Dec-22
The Chesapeake Bay Trust, the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment, and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education are excited to announce the District of Columbia Ditch the Disposables Award Program.
The goal of this RFA is to fund projects at food-serving entities in the District of Columbia that result in a longterm transition from disposable to reusable foodware for dine-in and/or takeout operations.
A transition to reusables carries numerous benefits. There are many examples and case studies from across the country of costs savings for businesses after implementing such a transition, even after accounting for any labor, water, and electricity costs associated with reusable foodware.
Dishes and dishwashing for on-site dining, third-party reusable foodware service, reusable foodware for take-out, and projects that reduce food waste. SFAs may apply to any project area, but the fourth project area is only open to SFAs and CBOs that support schools. Food serving entities that already use reusable foodware for on-site dining are not eligible for the Dishes and Dishwashing project area.
- Dishes and dishwashing for on-site dining
- Third-party reusable foodware program
- Reusable foodware for takeout, handled in house
- Food waste reduction – only open to SFAs and CBOs supporting school food
Funding Information
- Up to $202,000 from the Watershed Protection Division at DOEE for food service entities, with a $25,000 maximum award amount per applicant.
- Duration: Projects must be completed, and all expenses incurred by August 23, 2023. Requests to extend the deadline to meet award objectives will NOT be considered.
Eligible Project Types
- Projects can fall into one or more of the following four project areas:
- In-house on-site: Dishware and dishwashing for on-site dining operations
- In-house to-go: Reusable foodware for takeout, handled in-house
- Third-party reusables: Either procure services of or pilot a third-party reusable foodware system
Eligible Project Locations: Applicants physically located in the District of Columbia that are Food service entities; Nonprofit organizations; Faith-based organizations; Government agencies; Universities/educational institutions; or Private enterprises.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Trust welcome applications from the following organizations under project areas A, B, and C.
- Food Service Entities: Full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants, fast food restaurants, cafes, delicatessens, coffee shops, supermarkets, catering services, grocery stores, vending trucks or carts, food trucks, business or institutional/school cafeterias, including those operated by or on behalf of District departments and agencies, and other businesses selling or providing food within the District for consumption on or off premises that are locally and/or independently owned, have headquarters in the District, and have the majority of operations (measured by assets, gross receipts, or employees) in the District
- Non-profit/Faith-based Organizations that regularly serve food to its members and/or the public (such as houses of worship and food pantries)
- Businesses and Private Enterprises such as Business Improvement Districts or Main Streets applying with or on behalf of their member food service entities, or owners/managers of commercial spaces with food service entities among the tenants
- Third-Party Foodware Providers applying jointly with or on behalf of one or more food service entities that the foodware provider will work with for the project (such as entities with licensed commercial kitchens and/or licensed foodware sanitation facilities).
- Eligible applicants will have and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the proposed project liability insurance coverage in connection with the performance or failure to perform services proposed.
For more information, visit https://cbtrust.org/grants/district-of-columbia-ditch-the-disposables/
