How much funding can be received?

The Programme Alimentation santé aims to increase the availability of nutritionally improved and health-valuable processed foods offered in Quebec. Eligible activities include diagnostic studies to identify development opportunities for high-quality nutritious foods, as well as projects to develop or enhance the nutritional value of processed foods. Businesses must be registered in Quebec, and projects should involve the production and commercialization of food within the province.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available for companies that are established in a specific region to support local food transformation initiatives. Eligible companies must operate within the specified geographical area to benefit from this program.

Companies must be situated in Quebec, Canada, or have at least one establishment or branch located in Quebec.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is based on specific requirements related to the business operations and location.

Must be registered in the Quebec Business Register.
Must be located in Quebec or have at least one establishment or branch in Quebec.
Must carry out the food transformation in Quebec as part of the project.
Must market at least one food product in Quebec.
Eligible business types include food processing companies, businesses subcontracting their food processing, businesses with a central kitchen, and groups of food processing companies.
Must not be listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The grant is designed for companies involved in the transformation and distribution of food in Quebec, aiming to enhance the nutritional quality of processed foods. Eligible companies must operate in Quebec and meet specified criteria based on their activities in the food sector.

Food processing companies.
Companies outsourcing their food processing activities.
Companies with central kitchens.
Groups of food processing companies.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is not available to certain companies and industries based on their status or the nature of their main activities. These restrictions ensure alignment with the grant's focus on improving the nutritional quality of processed foods in Quebec.

Companies listed on the Register of Companies Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Producers of animal food products.
Manufacturers of nutraceuticals.
Producers of natural health products.
Products designated with a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
Companies producing alcoholic or cannabis products.
Manufacturers of meal replacements.
Producers of energy drinks.
Businesses involved in food service activities, as these are not considered food processing activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects in Quebec that enhance the nutritional value of processed foods, aiming to increase the availability of nutritious options for consumers. The eligible projects focus on developing or improving food products to meet specific nutritional criteria.

Development of a food product with good nutritional quality. For beverages, the project must also target a fiber content of at least 7% of the daily value or include a bioactive compound.
Improvement of a food product formulation to enhance its nutritional value, turning it into a product with improved nutritional quality.
Modification of a food formulation to create a product with health benefits by including recognized bioactive compounds.
Reduction or elimination of food additives in products classified as having good nutritional quality.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the project aimed at the development or modification of the nutritional value of processed foods.

Professional fees and travel expenses of authorized external consultants.
Salaries for internal specialists devoted to the project, when external consultants are not involved.
Costs of raw materials used in testing conducted either in laboratories or on an industrial scale.
Purchase of equipment related to the quality control of the product developed or modified.
Expenses related to nutritional analyses, the establishment of nutrition facts tables and ingredients lists, when performed by external laboratories or consultants.
Costs of analyses conducted by an external laboratory for evaluating the new product's shelf life.
Expenses for packaging modifications conducted by an external consultant to ensure adequate product shelf life and eco-friendly packaging development.
Expenses for product taste tests and trials conducted by an external consultant.
Costs for modifying packaging materials resulting from changes to nutritional tables and ingredients lists prepared by an external consultant.
Promotion of the health benefits of the developed or improved food product at events recognized by the MAPAQ.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Experience and expertise of the consultant or the internal specialist responsible for the project.
The technical, organizational, and administrative capacity of the applicant to execute the project.
The significance and actual impact of the developed or modified food products on the food supply available to Quebec consumers.
The availability of the products to Quebec consumers.
Conformity of the financial situation of the company to ensure the sustainability of the project.
The realism of the work plan and the financing plan.
Clarity of the description and planning of the project.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Programme Alimentation santé:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your company is registered in the Quebec business registry.
- Verify that your company is located in Quebec or has at least one establishment or branch in Quebec.
- Ensure your business is not listed in the RENA.
- Ensure your processed food products are eligible under the program.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Complete and sign the application form for financial aid.
- Fill out the additional information template.
- Prepare the curriculum vitae and proof of expertise for the external consultant or internal specialist.
- Include an offer of services from the external consultant or the specialist's pay slip if internal.
- Gather financial statements audited, reviewed, or compiled by an external CPA or a detailed business plan if under a year old.
- Compile all official supporting documents confirming eligible expenses.
Step 3: Submit Application
- Email the complete application along with all required documents to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Step 4: Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Receive confirmation of the receipt of your complete financial aid application via email.
Step 5: Review Process
- If all necessary information is provided, a letter of acceptability is sent to the applicant, and the application moves forward.
- If incomplete, the application is deemed inadmissible and rejected. Applicants should resubmit with the complete required information.
Step 6: Financial and Project Analysis
- Evaluate financial statements or analyze a detailed business plan for newer businesses.
- Analyze the project based on selection criteria such as impact and feasibility.
Step 7: Award Decision
- If accepted, receive a letter stating the financial aid amount and terms for disbursement. Sign and return the document within 20 business days.
- If refused, receive an explanation letter for the decision.
Step 8: Financial Aid Disbursement
- Aid is disbursed as per the terms upon submission of required supporting documents.
Step 9: Reclaim Final Aid
- Submit a project report, deliverables, and final payment claim to the ministry.
- Provide a copy of the ingredients list, nutritional value table, external analysis (if applicable), and a consultant's final report.
- Retain supporting documents for five years post-project completion.
Step 10: Appeal (if necessary)
- File an appeal form within 30 days if contesting an evaluation decision.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant is designed to support the development and improvement of nutritional quality in processed foods within Québec, enhancing access to healthier food options. It outlines eligibility criteria for companies, allowable expenses, and the application process while specifying the non-qualifying food items and activities.

The grant supports up to 60% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $150,000 per applicant for the program duration.
A minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenses is required to qualify for the grant.
The cumulative public funding cannot exceed 75% of eligible expenses, requiring at least 20% private contribution.
Eligible projects include developing foods with good nutritional quality, improving existing products, and reducing or eliminating food additives.
Product labels, including nutritional information, must be submitted with the application.
The program excludes products such as animal food, nutraceuticals, health products, meal replacements, alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks.
Expenses related to software purchases, routine operation costs, and non-participating staff wages are not eligible.

grant_single_labels|contact

transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Promoting Nutritional Quality Through Financial Support

This grant program, offered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec, aims to enhance the nutritional value of processed foods in Quebec. It supports businesses in developing foods with reduced levels of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats or enriched with bioactive compounds and fibers.

Detailed Insights into the Program Alimentation Santé 2023-2025

The Program Alimentation Santé 2023-2025 is established to facilitate the improvement of processed foods by decreasing sodium, sugar, and saturated fat content or by enriching foods with bioactive substances and fibers. The program is particularly beneficial for businesses within the food processing sector, including those that subcontract or operate a central kitchen, provided that they are registered and operational in Quebec. By offering financial aid, the program aims to boost the presence of nutritionally improved and health-oriented foods in the market.

Under this initiative, businesses can receive financial support covering up to 60% of eligible project expenses, capped at $150,000 per applicant throughout the program. For initiatives focusing on reducing sugar in cereals and dairy, sodium in processed meats, and saturated fats in processed meats beyond the basic targets, there is a possibility for an additional 10% bonus. Such funding is intended to aid in the development, modification, or elimination of food additives in products aiming for higher nutritional health standards.

Eligible expenses under the grant span various developmental costs, including professional consultation fees, material costs for product testing, purchase of quality control equipment, and expenses for nutritional analyses conducted by external laboratories. Such comprehensive coverage ensures that businesses can undertake a thorough investigation and implementation of nutritional improvements without bearing the brunt of financial constraints.

The grant also emphasizes the importance of market readiness and viability; thus, applicants must provide a detailed and realistic plan of project execution, including a financial structure that involves a minimum of 20% private financial contribution. This requirement ensures that companies involved in the program are committed and able to sustain their projects.

Moreover, the program is very particular about the eligibility of products, excluding a variety of items like nutraceuticals, pet foods, dietary supplements, and any product containing alcohol or cannabis. This focus is to ensure that the funding directly supports projects yielding significant public health benefits through improved dietary options.

The application process demands precision; thus, companies must submit complete documentation and meet all eligibility criteria for their application to be processed. Once the application dossier is complete, its approval depends on several factors, such as the project's innovative potential, the applicant's capability, and the proposed project's expected impact on the consumer market in Quebec.

This program is not just a mere financial aid but a strategic measure to foster public health and nutrition. By encouraging the development of healthier food options, it plays a crucial role in curtailing lifestyle-related health issues, boosting the overall nutritional status of foods available to consumers, and supporting economic growth in the food processing sector.

For businesses dedicated to innovation and public health enhancement, the Program Alimentation Santé provides an invaluable opportunity. It not only facilitates financial backing but also aligns with broader public health objectives, thereby cementing the future of food development towards more sustainable and health-conscious industries in Quebec. Through this program, businesses can articulate new pathways for health-centric product developments, thereby improving consumer choices and contributing to a healthier society.