To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Food for People, Inc. to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors approve the agreement with Food for People, Inc. to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) increase utilization of CalFresh benefits by eligible households in an amount not to exceed $993,134.63; authorize the Chair to execute three (3) originals of the agreement (Attachment 1); and direct the Clerk of the Board to route two (2) fully executed originals of the agreement to the (DHHS)-Contract Unit for forwarding to DHHS-Social Services Administration.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
Food for People (FFP) is the designated food bank for Humboldt County and provides a range of hunger relief services, including an on-site Choice Pantry in Eureka, Backpacks for Kids, Summer Lunch, Mobile Produce Pantry, Senior Brown Bag and Homebound Delivery programs, Emergency Food and Disaster Program, Pantry Network hosting, and CalFresh Outreach. FFP currently reaches an average of 3,000 low-income individuals each month.
FFP plays a vital role in CalFresh outreach in Humboldt County. FFP provides food, training and support, as well as CalFresh pre-screening, application assistance and/or printed materials to 17 different pantry sites, and four seasonal produce distribution sites in Humboldt County. FFP also provides nonperishable food and outreach and referral assistance in partnership with DHHS mobile outreach programs. In addition to integrating CalFresh outreach into all FFP programs, assists with the annual CalFresh Forum, produces educational materials, partners with other agencies on related projects, hosts and manages the CalFresh Task Force, and maintains the CalFresh Task Force website, which includes outreach support materials for all partners.
With the execution of this agreement, FFP will continue to assist DHHS in increasing CalFresh utilization by eligible households thereby promoting a safe, healthy, 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.
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. CDSS also made significant program changes to increase CalFresh use by reducing enrollment and retention barriers. Many low-income individuals and families are not aware of and do not apply for CalFresh benefits, and many others are not aware of the program changes that could make it easier for them to receive and continue CalFresh benefits.
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 key to DHHS’s goal of providing integrated, place-based, and holistic services.
DHHS recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to execute this agreement effective October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019 and direct the Clerk of the Board to return two executed originals of the agreement to the DHHS-Social Services Administration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with this agreement have been budgeted in the approved fiscal year 2018-19 budget in fund 1160, Budget Unit 511, in the amount of $744,850.98 and the remainder of $248,283.65 will be included in the 2019-2020 fiscal year county budget. There will be no impact to the county General Fund.
Approving this agreement supports the Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved health and safety, and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board can choose not to approve the Agreement for the CalFresh Outreach and Support activities with FFP. 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:
1. Agreement with Food for People
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-10; C-13; C-8; C-7, C-8
Meeting of: 3/20/12; 11/12/13; 9/16/14; 10/13/15, 9/6/16