The federal government has received 343 applications under its Food Waste Reduction Challenge.

An initiative under the Food Policy for Canada, the $20-million initiative was launched in November 2020 to accelerate and advance “diverse and high-impact solutions” to food waste in Canada.

Up to $10.8 million will be awarded under Streams A and B to innovators with business model solutions that can prevent or divert food waste at any point from farm to plate.

Applications for the first two streams opened on November 19, 2020 and closed on January 18, 2021. Applications are being assessed and the first round of winners will be announced in the coming months.

Streams C and D are scheduled to launch in spring 2021, and will focus on new technologies that extend the life of food or transform food waste into new foods or value-added products.

By reducing food waste in Canadian society, the government hopes to increase food availability, save consumers and businesses money and strengthen food systems, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.