How much funding can be received?

The Aliment-Santé 2023-2025 grant aims to support the development and modification of the nutritional value of processed foods, offering financial assistance of up to 60% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of CAD 150,000 per applicant. Eligible activities include projects that develop nutritionally high-quality foods or improve existing products by enhancing their nutritional value, health value, or reducing additives.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Healthy Eating Program Component 2 offers structured financing options aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of processed foods. The following modalities outline the funding structure:

Financial assistance can cover up to 60% of eligible expenditures, with a maximum of $150,000 per applicant for the duration of the program.
Projects must have at least $10,000 in eligible expenditures to qualify for funding.
A potential 10% increase in funding is available for projects that develop food products with high nutritional quality or significant reductions in harmful ingredients such as sugar or sodium.
Private financing must constitute at least 20% of eligible expenditures.
The cumulative total of public aids must not exceed 75% of eligible expenditures, including government grants, loans, and loan guarantees.
A comprehensive financial analysis is performed based on verified or compiled financial statements to ensure compliance and financial viability.
Applicants must submit all mandatory documentation to confirm eligibility and payment claims, including detailed financial plans and justificatory invoices.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant aims to support the development and improvement of the nutritional value of processed foods. Eligible projects focus on enhancing nutritional quality and promoting health benefits in food products manufactured in Quebec.

Development of a food product possessing a good nutritional quality, including beverages with a fiber content of at least 7% of the daily value or the addition of bioactive compounds.
Improvement in the formulation of a food product to make it a food with improved nutritional value by reducing sodium, sugar, or saturated fats or increasing fiber content.
Enhancing a food product to be a health-valued food by adding bioactive compounds recognized by Health Canada.
Reduction or elimination of food additives in foods with good nutritional quality.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 150,000

Development of a low-sugar fruit beverage enriched with fiber

$ 72,000

Reduction of sodium in frozen ready meals for health improvement

$ 108,000

Enhancement of pasta products by incorporating bioactive compounds

grant_single_labels|admissibility

For a company to be eligible for this grant, it must meet the following criteria:

Be registered in the Quebec enterprise register.
Be located in Quebec or have at least one facility or branch located in Quebec.
Conduct the food processing related to the project within Quebec.
Commercialize at least one food product in Quebec at the time of application.
Belong to one of the following categories: food processing companies, companies subcontracting their food processing, companies with a central kitchen, or groups of food processing companies.
Not be registered in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The "RÉSUMÉ ET GUIDE DU PROGRAMME ALIMENTATION SANTÉ 2023-2025" is intended for companies engaged in the transformation of food products within Quebec, aiming to enhance their nutritional value. Companies must already market at least one food product in Quebec and fall into specific business categories.

Food processing companies legally registered in Quebec or with a branch located in Quebec.
Companies outsourcing their food processing activities.
Enterprises that own central kitchens.
Groups of food processing companies.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their registration status or main business activities. These restrictions ensure that only eligible sectors can receive support to develop or enhance the nutritional value of processed foods.

Businesses registered in the RENA (Registry of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts in Quebec).
Industries producing animal feed.
Companies involved in creating nutraceutical products.
Firms focused on producing natural health products.
Companies producing food or products with a drug identification number (DIN).
Businesses manufacturing products containing alcohol or cannabis.
Producers of meal replacements.
Energy drink manufacturers.
Entities primarily engaged in restaurant activities, which are not considered food processing activities under this program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the development or improvement of the nutritional value of processed food products.

Professional fees and travel expenses for authorized external consultants.
Internal specialist salaries related to the project, if an external consultant is not required.
Cost of raw materials used in laboratory and industrial-scale tests.
Purchase of equipment for quality control of the developed or modified product.
Fees for nutritional analyses, establishment of nutritional facts table, and ingredient list conducted by an external laboratory or consultant.
External laboratory analyses to evaluate the new product's shelf life.
Costs related to packaging modification by an external consultant to achieve adequate shelf life and developing eco-friendly packaging.
Taste tests and product trials conducted by an external consultant.
Modification of packaging materials due to changes in nutritional facts table and ingredient list prepared by an external consultant.
Promotion of the health aspect of the developed or improved food product by participating in events recognized by the MAPAQ.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located within Quebec, Canada, as determined by the requirements for eligible businesses. The criteria specify that companies must operate and market their products within this province.

Companies registered in Quebec, Canada.
Companies with at least one establishment or branch located in Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the "Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" grant Volet 2 consider several criteria to ensure the viability and impact of the projects.

The experience and expertise of the consultant or internal specialist responsible for the project.
The technical, organizational, and administrative capabilities of the applicant to execute the project.
The significance and real impact of the developed or modified foods on the available food supply for Quebec consumers.
Availability of the products to Quebec consumers.
Conformity of the company's financial situation, ensuring the project's viability.
The realism of the work plan and financing plan.
The clarity in the description and planning of the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Complete Application Form
Download and fill out the financial assistance application form available on the program's web page.
Ensure the form is duly completed and signed.
Step 2: Prepare Supplementary Information
Fill out the template for additional information.
Compile the resume and proof of expertise for the external consultant or internal specialist.
Include the service offer from the external consultant or the payroll stub of the internal specialist.
Step 3: Financial Documentation
Provide audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements from an external CPA representing a full year of operation or a detailed business plan for businesses operating for less than one year.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents
Collect all official documents that confirm eligible expenses.
Ensure you have the product label to be improved, including the nutritional value table.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Send all the required documents via email to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Step 6: Receive Acknowledgment of Receipt
Await an email confirmation of the receipt of the complete financial assistance application.
Understand that eligible expenses will be dated from the application submission date if the aid is granted.
Step 7: Review of Application
If deemed receivable, you will receive an admissibility letter allowing continuation for processing.
If deemed non-receivable, you will be invited to resubmit with necessary information.
Step 8: Assess Project and Applicant Eligibility
If both are eligible, the application progresses to financial analysis.
If ineligible, receive notification with reasons for ineligibility, ending the process.
Step 9: Financial Analysis and Project Evaluation
Undergo financial scrutiny based on presented financial statements.
The project is analyzed for selection based on set criteria.
If accepted, receive a letter indicating financial aid and its terms for signature and return.
If refused, receive a letter with explanations.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum cumulative amount of public assistance received for the project cannot exceed 75% of the eligible expenses.
Private funding must account for at least 20% of the eligible expenses.
Additional financial enhancement of 10% is possible for projects that meet certain nutritional criteria enhancements.
The grant requires beneficiaries to keep supporting documents for five years post-project completion.
An appeal process is available for decisions, with a 30-day window to appeal following the decision notification.
Guidance is available from MAPAQ before submitting an application, although it does not guarantee approval.
Applicants will receive an acknowledgment email upon submission of a complete application.

grant_single_labels|contact

transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Enhance Nutritional Value with Food Transformation Grants

The "Programme Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" offers financial assistance to businesses focusing on developing and improving the nutritional value of processed foods in Quebec. It aims to increase the availability of healthier foods by supporting food transformation projects that meet specific nutritional enhancement criteria.

Exploring the "Volet 2" of the Health Food Program and Its Benefits

The "Volet 2" of the "Programme Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" is specifically targeted towards assisting businesses in Quebec with the transformation of their food products to enhance their nutritional value. By focusing on reducing additives and boosting health benefits, businesses can receive up to 60% of their expenses covered, maxing out at $150,000 per application, provided the projects meet certain criteria. This ensures that the program not only supports economic growth but also promotes public health by offering healthier food choices to consumers.

Eligible businesses must be registered in Quebec and demonstrate active food marketing within the region. This encompasses a broad range of enterprises, from those with central kitchens to food processing groups, and extends support to companies engaging in subcontracted food processing. However, enterprises listed as ineligible for public contracts or those involving certain food categories, such as nutraceuticals or products with alcohol, are excluded from the eligibility.

Projects seeking funding under this program should aim at either developing foods with enhanced nutritional quality or reformulating existing products to reduce elements like sodium, sugar, or saturated fats. Moreover, adding bioactive compounds like omega-3 or probiotics may qualify a product for a 10% funding bonus, reflecting the program's alignment with national health enhancement objectives.

Financial structuring requires a minimum private contribution of 20% for eligible expenses, with total public assistance capped at 75%. This balance ensures both adequate private investment and diversification of public funding to maintain financial sustainability. Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation, including a demonstrable financial plan and verified financial statements, to be considered for this grant.

The application process is thorough, involving a multi-step evaluation that includes an assessment of the project’s viability and its potential impact on the dietary landscape of Quebec. Importance is placed on the technical and organizational capabilities of the project team, ensuring that the proposed outcomes are both realistic and achievable. This meticulous assessment guarantees that the most promising projects receive the necessary support to successfully contribute to improved health outcomes through food innovation.

Ultimately, the "Programme Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" represents a significant opportunity for food businesses in Quebec to innovate and potentially lead the market in delivering nutritious products. By prioritizing improvements to food quality and participating in this initiative, businesses not only enhance their offerings but also align themselves with a growing consumer demand for healthier food options. The program's strategic focus portrays a commitment not just to economic development but to the holistic wellness of the community, making it an attractive proposition for eligible enterprises eager to make a meaningful impact.