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Healthy Eating Program – Stream 1
QC, Canada
Support for diagnostic studies in healthy food processing
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2025
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 Alimentation Santé Program 2023-2025 aims to support food processing businesses in Quebec by funding diagnostic studies for improving nutritional quality, with a maximum financial aid covering 70% of eligible expenses up to $100,000. Eligible activities include conducting diagnostic studies to develop healthier food options or enhance existing formulations by external consultants.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Healthy Eating Program Stream 1 provides financial assistance covering a significant portion of eligible expenses. Funding is designed to support projects that enhance the nutritional value of food products.
- Financial assistance can reach up to 70% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 per applicant for the program duration.
- Projects must have a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenses to qualify.
- A minimum of 20% private funding of eligible expenses is required for project financing.
- The cumulative total of public aid cannot exceed 75% of eligible expenses.
- Government grants, loans, and loan guarantees are considered fully in the calculation of cumulative public aid.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Healthy Eating Program Stream 1 supports projects that enable applicants to make informed decisions regarding the development or reformulation of food products. These projects must be conducted by an external consultant and focus on enhancing the nutritional quality of food products.
- Conducting a diagnostic study to identify opportunities for developing a food product of good nutritional quality. If the project involves a beverage, it must aim for a dietary fiber content of at least 7% of the daily value (2 g per reference amount) or the addition of a bioactive compound.
- Conducting a diagnostic study to identify ways to reformulate a food product to enhance its nutritional value, create a health-beneficial product, or reduce or eliminate food additives.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 100,000
Developing a low-sodium soup line with high fiber content
$ 95,000
Researching nutritionally enhanced vegan cheese options with low sodium
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, companies must meet specific criteria related to their registration, location, and business activities.
- The business must be registered in the Quebec Enterprise Registry.
- The business must be located in Quebec or have at least one establishment or branch in Quebec.
- The food processing activities proposed in the project must be conducted in Quebec.
- At least one food product must be commercially available in Quebec at the time of application submission.
- The applicant must belong to one of the following categories:
- Food processing companies.
- Companies outsourcing their food processing.
- Companies with a central kitchen.
- Groups of food processing businesses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is intended for projects that enhance the nutritional quality of processed foods or modify formulations to improve their health value by reducing additives. The evaluation and selection process assess various financial and project-related criteria.
- The compliance of the company's financial situation to ensure the project's viability.
- The relevance of the study in developing a high-quality nutritious food or in improving a product's formulation for nutritional enhancement, health value, or reduced additive use.
- The experience and expertise of the external consultant conducting the study.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes specific companies and industries based on their status and main activity. These exclusions are designed to ensure funds are provided to entities that align with the program's health-focused objectives.
- Companies listed on the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics" (RENA).
- Businesses involved in producing non-eligible food products, such as animal food, nutraceuticals, and natural health products.
- Companies whose products have a Drug Identification Number (DIN), contain alcohol or cannabis, or are meal replacements or energy drinks.
- Businesses primarily engaged in restaurant activities, as these are not considered part of food processing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the completion and success of the diagnostic study project.
- Fees and travel expenses for external consultants.
- Purchase of specialized information necessary for the project.
- Costs associated with research and development of eco-responsible packaging suitable for the product.
- Market research or commercialization studies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is intended for companies within certain geographical limits as specified by the funding guidelines. Eligible businesses must have connections to the region where the transformation of foods takes place.
- Companies registered in the Quebec Business Register.
- Businesses situated in Quebec.
- Firms having 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 the project's potential for success and alignment with the program's objectives.
- The financial stability of the applicant, ensuring the viability of the project.
- The relevance of the study in connection with developing a high-quality nutritious food product or improving the formulation of a food product to enhance its nutritional value, health benefits, or reduce 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: Gather Required Documents
- Complete and sign the financial aid application form.
- Fill in the template for additional information.
- Prepare the CV of the external consultant.
- Obtain the service offer from the external consultant.
- Collect audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements by an external CPA for one full year or a detailed business plan if the company is newer.
- Assemble all official supporting documents that confirm eligible expenditures.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Email all required documents to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
- Step 3: Receive Acknowledgement
- Wait for an email confirmation of receipt of your complete application.
- Step 4: Receivability and Admissibility
- Receive a letter of receivability if all necessary information is included, allowing the processing to continue.
- If information is missing, the application will be deemed irrecoverable and you will be invited to resubmit with the required information.
- Receive an admissibility decision regarding the project and applicant after evaluation.
- If deemed inadmissible, receive notification explaining the reasons.
- Step 5: Financial and Project Analysis
- Your application will undergo a financial analysis based on submitted financial statements.
- Your project will be evaluated against selection criteria.
- Step 6: Decision
- If accepted, receive a letter with the amount of financial aid awarded and a document outlining the conditions and terms of payment. Sign and return the document within 20 business days.
- If refused, receive a letter detailing the reasons for refusal.
- Step 7: Financial Aid Disbursement
- Provide all required supporting documentation for the disbursement of funds.
- Step 8: Project Completion and Final Payment
- Submit a project summary, final report, and final payment claim upon completion.
- Ensure invoices match the date of complete application submission or later.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The financial aid covers up to 70% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $100,000 per applicant for the duration of the program, and projects must incur a minimum of $10,000 in eligible expenses.
- Projects are financed privately by at least 20% and can be combined with public funding, which cannot exceed 75% of eligible expenses.
- Only expenses incurred after the eligibility date in the letter of acknowledgment are covered.
- Applicants have the option to appeal a decision within 30 days if they disagree with the evaluation outcome.
- A final report must be submitted to claim financial aid, and receipts must be kept for five years post-project completion.
grant_single_labels|contact
transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
