Frequently Asked Questions
Supporting Food Waste Solution Providers
The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund
Frequently Asked Questions
Current Open Call: Maximizing the Harvest to Bring Quality Produce to Market
Why is this open call focused on surplus produce left on farms?
In 2023 alone, U.S. farms generated approximately 17 million tons of surplus food. 82% of that is left unharvested, and about 50% is edible produce. Moreover, even with scaling existing solutions, ReFED estimates that 64% of that total surplus produce will still be left unaddressed. This surplus, consisting of healthy, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, represents a critical loss of essential calories, vitamins, and antioxidants—foods that could nourish millions of Americans. To tackle this, ReFED’s Catalytic Grant Fund aims to support innovative technologies, solutions, and initiatives that can increase the amount of otherwise wasted produce harvested, while also maximizing its value and making it financially viable for farmers to get it to new and existing markets and sales channels.
What about proteins?
ReFED recognizes that proteins are another high-priority area and is exploring future open calls dedicated to specific proteins such as seafood, meat, and dairy.
What are some of the existing challenges to maximizing the harvest and value of surplus, edible produce?
Surplus produce is left in the fields for a variety of reasons, including not meeting rigid buyer specifications, labor availability and shortages, storage constraints, and price volatility that may not cover cost of pick and pack out fees.
What are some of the barriers to getting it to market?
A significant barrier has been the lack of infrastructure that will make the processing of the produce easier such as cleaning the produce or flash freezing it. As a result, this puts more of the cost and work on the buyer.
Can farmers apply for this open call?
Farmers can apply for this open call so long as their proposal meets the open call requirements.
Can I preview the Letter of Intent (LOI) form before I begin my application?
Yes! Here is the preview of the LOI questions and prompts that you will need to address.
I have other questions. Who should I reach out to with my inquiries?
For other questions, please reach out to Angel Veza at [email protected].
General Catalytic Grant Fund Questions
What is the average grant size?
We anticipate the average grant size to be approximately $100,000 to $250,000.
Are organizations outside of the U.S. eligible for funding?
We will consider overseas organizations that are currently operating in the U.S. or are seeking funding to expand to the U.S.
ReFED is a national nonprofit working to end food loss and waste across the food system by advancing data-driven solutions to the problem.