Healthy Eating Program – Stream 1
Québec, QC, Canada
Healthy Food Program aims to enhance nutritional food quality
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme Alimentation santé aims to increase the availability of nutritious, enhanced nutritional value, and health-beneficial foods among processed foods available in Quebec. The program supports projects for diagnosing opportunities, developing, and improving the nutritional quality of foods, emphasizing the reduction of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats or the enhancement of fibers and bioactive compounds. Eligible activities include conducting diagnostic studies, developing nutritious food products, and promoting successful practices in the food processing sector.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality of processed foods within Quebec. Businesses can undertake studies to identify opportunities for product improvement with external consultancy support.
- Diagnostic studies to identify work paths for developing foods of good nutritional quality. For beverages, this includes aiming for a dietary fibre content of at least 7% of the daily value or adding a bioactive compound.
- Diagnostic studies to identify opportunities to modify food formulations to create enhanced nutritional value foods, health value foods, or foods with reduced or no food additives.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's business status and operations in Quebec.
- Be registered in the Quebec enterprise registry (Registre des entreprises du Québec).
- Be located in Quebec or have at least one establishment or branch situated in Quebec.
- Conduct the processing of food products developed under the project in Quebec.
- Market at least one food product in Quebec at the time of application submission.
- Belong to one of the following categories: food processing companies, companies that outsource their food processing, companies with a central kitchen, or groups of food processing companies.
- Not be listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics - RENA).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is open to eligible food transformation companies aiming to develop or improve nutritious foods in Quebec. The program requires the applicant companies to meet specific location and operational criteria.
- Food processing companies registered in Quebec.
- Companies outsourcing their food processing to third parties.
- Businesses with a central kitchen.
- Groups of food processing companies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that the support is allocated to eligible sectors focusing on nutritious food development and improvement.
- Companies listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Companies involved in the production of animal feed.
- Businesses manufacturing nutraceuticals or natural health products.
- Organizations producing products with a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
- Companies involved in the production of alcohol or cannabis products.
- Businesses that produce meal replacements.
- Producers of energy drinks.
- Restaurants, as their activities are not considered food processing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses directly associated with conducting diagnostic studies for the development of improved nutritional food products.
- Fees and travel expenses of external consultants.
- Purchase of specialized information necessary for project completion.
- Costs associated with research and development of eco-friendly packaging suitable for the product.
- Market or commercialization study expenses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies operating within the province of Quebec. It aims to support businesses that carry out food processing within this geographical area.
- Companies must be located in Quebec or have at least one establishment or branch located in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure project viability and relevance.
- The financial situation of the company must be compliant to guarantee the project's viability.
- The relevance of the study in relation to the development of a nutritious food product or the improvement of an existing product's formulation to enhance nutritional value, health value, or reduce the use of food additives.
- The experience and expertise of the external consultant involved in the project.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
- Ensure your business is registered and eligible as per program requirements.
- Complete and sign the application form for financial assistance.
- Fill out the complementary information template.
- Gather the curriculum vitae and offer of services from the external consultant.
- Prepare the external CPA-reviewed financial statements or a detailed business plan for newer businesses.
- Compile all official supporting documents confirming eligible expenses.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Email all required documents to the program's email at transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
- Ensure all documents are correctly filled out and included to avoid delays.
- Step 3: Confirmation and Receivability
- Receive an email confirming the receipt of a complete application.
- If deemed receivable, wait for the receivability letter.
- If incomplete, you will need to submit missing documents for consideration.
- Step 4: Financial and Project Analysis
- Your application's financial aspect will be assessed using your provided documents.
- The project will be evaluated on criteria such as nutritional quality improvement objectives.
- Step 5: Notification of Decision
- If approved, receive a letter detailing financial aid and conditions.
- If not approved, receive communication explaining the reason.
- Step 6: Financial Aid Disbursement
- Follow the specified terms and conditions to receive financial aid.
- Submit all required supporting documents for expense verification.
- Step 7: Request for Appeal
- If needed, file an appeal within 30 days after receiving the decision.
- Complete the appeal form available on the program's webpage.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The applicant must send a detailed financing plan with their application.
- Assistance from MAPAQ advisors is available for preparing the application, but it does not guarantee approval.
- There is an appeal process for denied applications within 30 days of the decision.
- Projects must include a final report at completion, detailing the impact of the study and recommendations.
- Financial analysis will consider seven financial indicators which may affect application acceptance.
grant_single_labels|contact
transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Supporting Healthier Food Development Through Diagnostic Studies
The "Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" program provides funding to food companies in Quebec to conduct diagnostic studies aimed at developing or improving processed foods with enhanced nutritional value. This initiative supports the transformation and commercialization of nutritious and health-beneficial food products, minimizing additive use through expert-led analysis.
In-Depth Understanding of the "Alimentation Santé" Program and Its Benefits
The "Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" program is orchestrated by MAPAQ to promote healthier food production in the Quebec region by financially aiding companies in undertaking diagnostic studies. These studies are essential to identify opportunities for advancing or reformulating food products into nutritious and health-promoting options. The program targets enterprises working within the food processing sector in Quebec, assisting them in transforming their offerings into products with improved nutritional profiles or those entirely void of unnecessary additives.
The assistance offered by this program can cover up to 70% of the eligible expenses of a project, with a maximum grant of $100,000 available to each applicant over the program’s duration. However, for a project to be considered, it must involve a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenditures. The breakdown of funding necessitates that at least 20% of the expenses are funded through private contributions, with the cumulative public funding not exceeding 75%. This structure ensures consistent private sector engagement while maximizing the effectiveness of public resource allocation.
Eligible projects encompass various forms of diagnostic studies, each designed to yield actionable insights for companies looking to enhance the nutritional quality of their food products. For instance, a study may explore options for reducing sodium, sugar, and saturated fats or for augmenting fiber content. For liquid products, the program requires these studies to ensure a dietary fiber content of at least 7% of the daily recommended intake, equivalent to 2 grams per reference amount, or to introduce bioactive compounds that align with Health Canada’s guidelines.
Ineligible candidates for this program include entities engaged in pet food production, nutraceuticals, natural health products, alcohol or cannabis-infused products, meal replacements, and energy drinks. The program also excludes dining establishment activities as they are not classified under food processing endeavors. Admissible businesses must not be listed in the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), hence ensuring that only compliant and deserving applicants benefit from the funding.
Once the eligibility of a project and the applicant has been determined, applications are evaluated based on financial viability, relevance, and the external consultant’s expertise. This process ensures that projects with substantial potential for improving public health outcomes while leveraging seasoned consultancy services are prioritized. Subsequently, after the project’s acceptance, financial assistance is disbursed as applicants submit necessary documentation, such as a comprehensive final report.
The final report submitted by grant beneficiaries must include an exhaustive description of the diagnostic study conducted by the external consultant and offer a strategic recommendation on whether to proceed with or adjust the proposed initiative. Additionally, all reported expenses must be supported by adequate receipts and are subject to stringent accounting practices to maintain transparency and accountability in the grant disbursement process.
By participating in the "Alimentation Santé 2023-2025" program, companies not only gain monetary support but also align themselves with broader public health policy objectives geared towards fostering a healthier population through improved dietary options. This grant serves as a strategic catalyst, driving innovation and supporting economic viability in the Quebec food processing industry while simultaneously bolstering public health initiatives.