To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
SUBJECT:
title
Authorization for the Social Services Deputy Branch Director to Sign Agreements with Community Based Organizations for Participation with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the attached form Agreement for Community Based Organizations participating with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for CalFresh Outreach and support activities each to not exceed $48,000 for fiscal year 2018-19; authorize the Deputy Branch Director of DHHS- Social Services to sign individual agreements for CalFresh Outreach and Support activities on behalf of the Board of Supervisors substantially in the form of the attached sample Agreement upon proof of insurance; and direct the Clerk of the Board to return a certified copy of the board order to the DHHS-Contract Unit.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
Beginning in early 2012, the Board approved the execution of agreements related to California's Food Stamp program, now called CalFresh. On February 14, 2012 (item C-13), July 9, 2013 (item C-6), June 24, 2014 (C-31), June 23, 2015 (C-22) and on April 5, 2016 (C-14) the Board approved CalFresh Outreach Agreements with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for amounts of $48,000 or less. All agreements focused on CalFresh outreach activities and enrollment assistance. They also could incorporate nutrition education, food security or activities related to wellness and obesity prevention. Approximately 30 to 40 contracts have been signed each fiscal year under this program. With approval of this form Agreement, DHHS will continue to partner with CBOs to expand and improve CalFresh Outreach, to increase application assistance in community settings, and to expand enrollment and retention support at the community level.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) administers all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds. Focusing on the important role SNAP plays in access to nutrition and the relation of nutrition to overall wellness, CDSS renamed and re-branded food stamps as CalFresh in California. Beyond the name and image changes, CDSS also made significant program changes to increase CalFresh use by reducing enrollment and retention barriers. USDA and CDSS continue to encourage counties to work with community partners to help reach and inform community members who might be eligible for CalFresh benefits. Partnering with community based organizations is not only consistent with DHHS's general approach and strategic plan; it is the key to DHHS's goal of providing integrated, place-based, and holistic services.
Program changes and the current local economy have increased the number of Humboldt County residents eligible for nutrition assistance. These factors, internal changes, and outreach partnerships with community-based organizations have increased CalFresh enrollment within the County, State and nation. While enrollment has increased, we still look for ways to improve services and conduct outreach activities.
In addition to outreach, CDSS and DHHS are focused on two additional factors related to program success: enrollment support and retention. Approximately half of all applications are denied each month, largely due to missed interviews and missing verification documents. Similarly, each month a significant number of beneficiaries fall off the program and re-apply. With the Service Center and front lobby changes, DHHS has significantly improved its customer service internally. DHHS has engaged community partners to assist with application documentation support and assistance with retention to further improve customer service to our mutual clients. We also host an annual CalFresh networking event for our community partners to receive program updates, seek input and work on ways to do the work better.
Execution of this form Agreement will allow DHHS to continue to foster relationships with partners for outreach, enrollment and retention support. Increasing CalFresh utilization by eligible households promotes a safe, healthy and economically vibrant community. Outreach and enrollment raises awareness of the nutrition benefits of the CalFresh program; promotes healthy food choices; reduces hunger in seniors and children; and helps to dispel program myths and misperceptions.
Therefore, DHHS recommends that the Board approve the attached form Agreement for Community Based Organizations participating with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for CalFresh Outreach and Support activities each to not exceed $48,000 for fiscal year 2018-19 and authorizes the Deputy Branch Director of DHHS-Social Services to sign individual agreements with Community Based Organizations for CalFresh Outreach and Support activities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Each agreement shall not exceed $48,000 and $1,500,000.00 has been budgeted in the proposed fiscal year 2018-19 Budget in fund 1160, Budget Unit 511. Costs for this program will be budgeted in the fiscal year 2019-20 Budget in Fund 1160, Budget Unit 511. There will be no impact to the County General Fund.
Approving the attached form Agreement supports the Board's Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved health and safety, and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Community Based Organizations
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board can choose not to approve the attached form Agreement for CalFresh Outreach and Support
Activities with Community Based Organizations. This is not recommended as the Department of Health and Human Services asserts this funding is important to the goal of increasing CalFresh participation and thereby improving the health and economic stability of children, families and other individuals in Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Form Agreement for CalFresh Outreach and Support activities with Community Based
Organizations for Fiscal Year 2018-19
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-13, C-6, C-31, C-22, C-14
Meeting of: 2/14/12, 7/09/13, 06/24/14, 06/23/15, 04/05/16