Title
Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that the provision of a Nourishing Food Pantry provided by Contractor are in the public's best interest and that the work is with or among other governmental agencies in accordance with El Dorado County Ordinance Code, Chapter 3.13.030(E), El Dorado County Charter, Section 210(b)(6), and/or Government Code Section 31000;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Out Agreement 6865 with Los Rios Community College District, Folsom Lake College - El Dorado Center, with a not-to-exceed amount of $15,000, and for the term of execution through September 30, 2023; and
3) Authorize the HHSA Director, or Director of Public Health, to execute further documents relating to Funding Out Agreement 6865, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, including amendments which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Grant 19-103752 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), Public Health Division, has successfully applied for and received funding through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Grant 19-103752 (“Grant”) to implement the CalFresh Healthy Living Program with the purpose of providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) allowable nutrition education and obesity prevention activities and interventions for low-income Californians under the CalFresh Healthy Living program.
Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center students and their families often experience food insecurity like many families in El Dorado County do, according to “Food Insecurity Rate” indicators compiled by the HHSA Welldorado.org resource. WELL DORADO is an online resource through which community members and policy makers can learn about community health and wellbeing. It provides balanced information on topics including local health, promising best practices, news, and community events.
In addition, food insecurity rates have significantly increased since the Caldor Fire and are obstacles for academic achievement and student success. Providing nourishing food for our most vulnerable families involved with the Los Rios Community College(s) is a priority for the Los Rios District. According to the Folsom Lake College “facts at a glance”, over 59% of Los Rios District students receive the California College Promise Grant which means that 59% of students are SNAP eligible. Additionally, the seven (7) high schools in the nearest surrounding areas for the Los Rios District are high schools in El Dorado County, further demonstrating the need for a Food Pantry at the El Dorado Center.
This Funding Out Agreement 6865 with the Los Rios Community College District, Folsom Lake College - El Dorado Center, will provide funds to establish a Nourishing Food Pantry on campus for those in need. This agreement will fund the start-up costs of the food pantry, including but not limited to shelving to store and safely stack food in a manner consistent with grocery store standards; a refrigerator/freezer for perishable items; a laptop to manage inventory; reusable shopping bags with food pantry and CalFresh logos; and all other items required for the safe storage of food and the operations of a fully functioning, nourishing food pantry.
The El Dorado Center will also utilize the Nourishing Food Pantry curriculum for basic nutrition education workshops. Los Rios District students will be trained on this curriculum by El Dorado SNAP-ED staff in the effort to work more independently in the future. This funding will be used to fund utensils and cooking supplies for these workshops, for items such as hot plates, an electric skillet, crockpot, cooking utensils, plates, bowls, and eating utensils. Additional expenditures not specifically listed require written approval from the HHSA contract administrator to ensure compliance with the funding guidelines.
ALTERNATIVES:
Should the Board decline to approve this funding agreement, HHSA would need to return the funds to the State.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no County General Fund associated with this agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget. Funding is covered 100% by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Grant 19-103752 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) funding.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Obtain signature of Chair on one (1) original Funding Agreement 6865.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan, Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Evelyn Schaeffer, Director, Health and Human Services Agency