State Grants Offered to Reduce Food Waste

The state is offering up some cash to get communities and organizations to reduce food waste.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wasted food makes up 21-percent of trash, more than any other material.

So, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is making available $250,000 to develop programs aimed at reducing or diverting food waste.

DEQ spokeswoman, Karen Tommasulo, says local governments, non-profits and local health departments can apply for up to $100,000 for projects.

However the locals must match 25-percent of the total cost of the project.

The DEQ is accepting proposals through February 29th.