Anoka County Organizations Awarded MPCA Grants to Combat Food Waste

Anoka County Organizations Awarded MPCA Grants to Combat Food Waste

Anoka County, MN — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has awarded grant funding to two organizations in Anoka County as part of its Statewide Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue Grant Program. This initiative is part of a broader $4.5 million state investment to reduce food waste and support food rescue operations throughout Minnesota.

The selected Anoka County recipients include:

Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) – Blaine, MN

CEAP has received funding in recognition of its innovative "Food to Hogs" recycling program. Through this initiative, the organization diverts approximately 24,700 pounds of food waste annually from landfills, repurposing it as animal feed for local farms. This approach not only minimizes waste but also supports sustainable agriculture.
CEAP's work is further supported by partnerships with Anoka County and Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation, which provide tools and education to enhance food recovery and environmental stewardship.

Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) – Columbia Heights, MN

In collaboration with a local church in Coon Rapids, SACA has also been awarded funding to expand its efforts in rescuing edible food and reducing waste. The grant will help SACA develop infrastructure and logistics to collect, store, and redistribute surplus food to residents in need, ultimately contributing to food security and environmental responsibility in the region.

By funding local organizations like CEAP and SACA, the MPCA is advancing its goal of building resilient communities and reducing the environmental burden of food waste.

For more information on the MPCA’s food waste prevention initiatives, visit:
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/mpca-invests-45-million-to-support-organic-materials-management-efforts-in-minnesota