Assembly Member Bennett's proposal to expand California's organic waste reduction grant program would create new funding opportunities for edible food recovery projects through the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The legislation modifies the existing program to explicitly include transportation of recovered food and technology investments that enhance food recovery tracking and efficiency.

The bill adds specific provisions for constructing or expanding facilities dedicated to food recovery operations. When evaluating grant applications for these projects, CalRecycle would need to consider the amount of additional food recovery capacity created. The program would continue operating through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, maintaining its current focus on projects that reduce emissions and divert organic material from landfills.

Other eligible activities under the grant program remain unchanged, including composting, in-vessel digestion, recyclable material manufacturing, and waste prevention initiatives. The legislation preserves CalRecycle's ability to provide larger awards for regional projects that demonstrate cost-effective organic waste diversion, while continuing to evaluate factors such as greenhouse gas reductions, benefits to disadvantaged communities, and environmental impacts when awarding grants.