The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is now distributing $12.5 million in funding for projects that will prevent wasted food in Minnesota. Businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and local and Tribal governments are eligible to apply. Examples of eligible projects include:

• training, technical, and financial assistance focused on preventing wasted food
• the purchase of equipment to store and transport food that would otherwise be wasted
• projects that rescue and distribute edible food to people
• upcycling wasted food and food scraps into new edible products
• projects that prevent wasted food on farms or aid farmers in participating in food rescue programming

The MPCA will hold an online information session on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. CT to assist applicants through the grant application process.

Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Apply now - CSFS: Statewide prevention of wasted food and food rescue grant | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Submit an idea to RSDP | UMN Extension

Have a project idea?

Do you have an idea for improving sustainability in your community? We'd love to hear from you! Ideas can be submitted at any time. Project decisions for the year are made between March and May.

The notes for the All-Grantee meeting are available in the documents folder.

Key Takeaways:

1. Save the date for an in-person meeting May 4-5 at Eddy's Resort in Onamia

2. If anyone is interested in putting together an abstract or proposal for the ASNNA/SNEB conference in July, please let us know.

Does anyone else feel like they’ve been through the wringer this year, or is it just us? 2025 has been a doozy of a year, and we’re still here, putting in our time, doing good work, and serving our communities. A quick snapshot of what we’ve been through:

• January: The new year brings changes to federal policy and structure.
• May: Minnesota hosts the rest of the Midwest Region SNAP-Ed programs for an awesome meeting. We got to showcase the work we do here; how the state, U of M and Tribal Nations work together; and connect with other states. Afterward, we spent a morning revisiting the state’s strategic plan, making it simpler and more relevant to our varied programs.
• A federal budget proposal eliminates funding for SNAP-Ed.
• May – June: Many of you participated in talking to partners, talking to leadership, talking to politicians, talking to anyone about the importance of SNAP-Ed.
• July: Congress passes HR1, and the president signs the bill, which eliminates funding for SNAP-Ed.
• Rest of the summer: We all try to figure out what this means for our programs. Some start transitioning internally to other departments. We said goodbye to talented and valued staff who were embedded in their communities and made a huge impact. Despite all the uncertainty, we submited a workplan to continue into FFY26.
• Fall and winter: Business as (kind-of) normal? Contracting and reporting, SEEDS and NPEARS all happen. Every SNAP-Ed program is continuing to operate in some capacity.

Throughout this crazy year, awesome things were happening. You were out at health fairs, farmers markets, State of the Band meetings and other community events promoting healthy eating and physical activity. You Bingocized, you Go Wilded, you Cooking Mattered, you 13 Mooned with kids, families and elders. You started seeds, tended gardens and shared the bounty. You sat on committees to influence PSE changes. You attended the Native Nutrition Conference and other professional development opportunities to further skills and deepen understanding. You pushed the boundaries and conventions of evaluation. You planned for the future. You did too many things to list here all under uncertain circumstances.

We are so grateful for your partnership, professionalism, patience, and humor throughout 2025. It has been an honor to serve as your grant managers this year, and to witness the creativity and resilience it has taken to continue the work. We value each and every one of you, and are excited to continue into 2026.

Miigwech, Pidamaya, Thank you,

Veronica, Amy and Rachel

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is gathering information for an upcoming grant to fund projects that divert food and food scraps from landfills to livestock. The grant manager wants to talk to people who are either currently operating a diversion program or are interested in participating in one. If you know of anyone in your organization who would be a good contact, please forward Tabitha's information and ask them to reach out to her.

Tabitha Birdwell |Sustainable Materials Management Specialist

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency | www.pca.state.mn.us

Resource Management and Assistance Division

520 Lafayette Rd N | Saint Paul, MN | 55155

W: 651-757-2524 | tabitha.birdwell@state.mn.us

Paid Family Medical Leave is now available! One qualifying event is welcoming a new child and can be used even if they came in 2025! Please help spread the word within your organization. Information for employers can be found on the Employer Resource Toolkit. Additional resources, including sample social media language, is available in the documents tab.

Thanks for your help informing people of this important benefit!

Mark your calendars for March 13 for the 2026 Minnesota School Garden Conference at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (details forthcoming).

The conference is currently seeking presenters to share information, lead experiences, and connect with attendees during 45-minute breakout sessions and 10- to 15-minute lightening talks.

If you are interested in presenting at the 2026 MN School Garden Conference, please complete this Presenter Proposal Form by Dec. 19.

Direct questions to Sue Knott.

Save the Date: Winter 2026 Safe Routes to School Academy

The second cohort of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Academy begins Jan. 13, 10-11 a.m.

This free, eight-week virtual training program is designed to help communities learn, plan, and grow their Safe Routes to School efforts. Sessions meet weekly for one hour, making it easy to participate alongside your regular work schedule.

Whether you’re new to Safe Routes or re-engaging in the program, the academy offers practical tools, expert guidance, and peer support to help turn your ideas into action. Participants will explore the 6 E’s of SRTS, engage in networking opportunities, and discuss real-world scenarios from their communities with practical guidance, next steps, and resources to support implementation.

Sign-up today! A confirmation email and calendar meeting will confirm your participation.

When completing the SNAP-Ed Financial Reporting section of the annual report in NPEARS, please report the "Carryover Expenditures from Previous FY" as $0. DCYF will report total carryforward in our state budget section, and we don't want to double count it!

If you have any questions, please let us know.

The Minnesota Farm to School Institute is a unique, year-long professional learning opportunity for schools to build sustainable Farm to School programs that support the local food system. Teams made up of school administrators, teachers, food service professionals and community members can apply. If selected, the team will develop action plans, skills and tools to confidently bring local foods into the cafeterias and classrooms.

Applications are open now through February 27th, 2006