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Community Development Services, Environmental Management Department, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Accept a grant award funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund from the State of California, Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, Fiscal Year 2017/18 Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program, in the amount of $277,140, for the term of March 1, 2018 upon execution of the Board of Supervisors through April 1, 2021; and
2) Delegate authority to the Environmental Management Department Director, or designee, to execute the Grant Agreement and all Grant related documents including, but not limited to, amendments, requests for payment, reports, and all associated documents necessary to secure and expend the funds for the purpose of implementing this Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program.
FUNDING: Non-General Fund / State of California, Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Services , Environmental Management Department (Environmental Management), recommending the Board consider the following:
1) Accept a grant award funded through the California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, from the State of California, Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program (Food Waste Grant Program), in the amount of $277,140, for the term of March 1, 2018 through April 1, 2021; and
2) Delegate authority to the Environmental Management Director, or designee, to execute the Grant Agreement (Attachments B, D, E, and G), and all Grant related documents including, but not limited to, amendments, requests for payment, reports, and all associated documents necessary to secure and expend the funds for the purpose of implementing this Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 42999(b)(4), and on behalf of California Climate Investments, CalRecycle is responsible for administering the Food Waste Grant Program. The purpose of this competitive grant program is to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions by establishing new, or by expanding existing, food waste prevention projects (source reduction or food rescue for people) in California to reduce the amount of food being disposed of in landfills.
CalRecycle administers various payment programs and grants, and provides oversight for California’s waste handling and recycling programs, which are managed at the local level by cities and counties. CalRecycle’s procedures for administering payment programs and grant applications require the applicant’s governing body to declare by resolution certain authorizations related to the administration of these funds. The Board’s acceptance of the funds under this CalRecycle Food Waste Grant Program will ensure that Environmental Management is able to contribute to the promotion of successful food waste prevention and rescue to help feed those that are less fortunate, resulting in the reduction of wholesome food that would otherwise be disposed of in a landfill.
In July 2017, Environmental Management submitted an application to CalRecycle for the Food Waste Grant Program in the amount of $277,140 (Attachment F). On March 8, 2018, notification was received from CalRecycle advising the award of the Food Waste Grant Program to the County in the amount of $277,140 during Cycle 2 of the allocated grant funds (Fiscal Year 2017/2018), with a term of March 1, 2018 through April 1, 2021 (Attachment H). The Food Waste Grant Program Agreement, along with the referenced Exhibits, must be executed by the County and returned to CalRecycle within 60 days of the Notice of Award.
In order to maximize the efficiency of the funding provided through the Food Waste Grant Program, Environmental Management partnered with the Food Bank of El Dorado County (Food Bank) to purchase equipment to expand collection and distribution of rescued food from donors to communities in need, and a food rescue public announcement and flyer to encourage food facilities and community partners to donate their unused food.
Specifically, Environmental Management intends to use the Food Waste Grant Program funds to assist the Food Bank in order to meet the goals of this Food Waste Grant Program by using the funds for various items including, but not limited to, construction of additional food storage space, purchase of refrigerated vehicles to assist with the collection and transportation of food, public outreach and education about food donations, and funding for staff time to conduct the services provided under this grant. All equipment purchased by Environmental Management on behalf of the Food Bank will become property of the Food Bank and will not be owned nor operated by the County. The Food Bank will be responsible for any maintenance and repairs of any equipment purchased using the Food Waste Grant Program funds.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy A-6, the Board is the sole authority for accepting grant awards and approving grant agreements. After acceptance of a grant award and approval of the grant agreement, the Board may delegate authority to execute all documents, including, but not limited to, the grant funding agreement, amendments, request for payments, reports, and all other associated documents necessary to secure and implement the approved grant payment program.
The recommended acceptance of these funds authorizes the Director of Environmental Management, or designee, to execute all reports and associated documents necessary to secure and expend the funds for the purpose of implementing this Food Waste Grant Program. Environmental Management will continue to obtain Board approval for the acceptance of all funds pursuant to Board Policy A-6.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may deny the acceptance of these funds. This would result in the forfeiture of the available grant funds awarded under this Food Waste Grant Program to the County. This funding opportunity provides for additional food resources for those in need, increases diversion of food waste from landfills, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Grant Agreement.
CalRecycle, Food Bank of El Dorado County
CAO RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change in Net County Cost. No matching funds are required for this Food Waste Grant Program. These funds will be included in the FY 2018-19 budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Greg Stanton, REHS, Director
Community Development Services, Environmental Management Department