The Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS), a nonprofit, industry-wide forum supporting the foodservice industry’s sustainable equipment and design efforts, is accepting applications for its annual $5,000 sustainability grant.

The grant will be awarded to the individual or organization with the best-executed foodservice or grocery sustainability project of the year. The winning project must showcase clear planning, precise implementation and a strong return on investment.

Entrants submit a case study of 10 or fewer pages detailing how their program addresses such foodservice sustainability challenges as energy/water usage reduction, wastewater reduction and implementation of farm-to-fork programs. The 2010 winner was Georgia Tech Dining Services (Sodexo), for its cost-neutral approach to sustainability.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 31, 2012. The winner will be announced at the 2012 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago. Information and the application are available at www.sustainablefoodequipment.com/Hobart-Center-For-Foodservice-Sustainability/HCFS-Grant/.