Toronto/CMEDIA: Applications reportedly for the second round of the Circular Food Innovators Fund (CFIF) are now being accepted by Toronto city.
To support local small businesses and non-profit organizations implement or expand solutions that reduce single-use and take away items for food packaging grants starting from $5,000 and up to a maximum of $35,000 are available.
Created to help local small businesses replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable food packaging, CFIF was first launched in 2024 helping to advance the City’s circular economy goals.
The highly successful first round of funding was responsible for driving positive outcomes that impacted business growth, job creation, operational efficiency and reductions in waste and emissions.
In November 2025, Toronto City Council approved the second round of CFIF funding as part of a key action outlined in the 10-Year Circular Economy Road Map.
The 2026 program was built on this impact, offering funding from $500 up to $5,000 to eligible participants for green workforce development and training activities that support sustainable practices in Toronto’s food and beverage sector.
With a total of $275,000 in funding available, applications will be accepted until Sunday, March 1.
Successful grant recipients will be announced in the summer.
Businesses and organizations who are Interested can learn more about the application process, program goals and eligibility at one of the virtual information sessions held on:
Monday, January 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, February 18 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Registration links and more details are available on the City’s CFIF webpage.
Nine local organizationsIn were awarded a total of $262,500 in 2024 to replace single-use and takeaway items with reusable foodservice ware.
More information on these success stories can be found on the City’s Circular Food Innovators Success Stories webpage.
