By Dori Modney with files from Agriculture Canada

Food Waste Reduction Challenge draws many and diverse applications

Feb 16, 2021 | 11:23 AM

OTTAWA, ONT. — The Government of Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge has proven a massive success. An impressive turnout of 343 applications have been received from innovators in Canada and around the world.

The $20-million Challenge was launched last November to accelerate diverse and high-impact solutions to food waste in Canada. Up to $10.8 million will be awarded to innovations with business model solutions that can prevent or divert food waste, at any point from farm-to-plate.

Of the 343 applications received, 27 percent were submitted by applicants who self-identified as youth, 30-years and under, 30 percent by applicants who self-identified as from a visible minority group and 32 percent by applicants who self-identified as women. Data related to applicants was collected through an optional survey and is not shared or used for assessment purposes.

Applicants are being assessed and the first round of winners will be announced I the coming months.

“The Government has made fighting food waste a priority, under the Food Policy for Canada to reduce greenhouse gases while increasing food availability. It can save consumers money and open up exciting new business opportunities.” Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-business.

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According to estimates, more than half of Canada’s food supply is wasted annually, and nearly $50 billion of that wasted food is avoidable at a time when a growing number of Canadians are facing food insecurity.

Approximately 30 innovators will be selected by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to receive $100,000 and become semi-finalists for Streams A and B of the challenge. The semi-finalists will be announced this spring. At the third and last stage, one winner per stream will be awarded a grand prize of up to $1.5 million.

The Government also supported the reduction of food waste through the $50-million Surplus Food Rescue Program, aimed at moving surplus food commodities through the food system as efficiently as possible to help vulnerable Canadians during COVID-19. The Government of Canada also recently announced $6 million through the Agri-Innovate Program to Enterra Feed Corporation to reduce food waste. The investment aims to increase the production of sustainable, nutritious feed for animals while helping to keep food out of landfills.

The first-ever Food Policy for Canada is a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada – one that builds on the Government’s ambitious agenda to support the growth of Canada’s farmers and food businesses.