To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Social Services
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Agreement with Changing Tides Family Services to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached professional services agreement with Changing Tides Family Services to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) increased utilization of CalFresh benefits by eligible households in an amount not to exceed $319,661.00; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to route one fully executed copy of the agreement to DHHS-Contract Unit for forwarding to DHHS-Social Services Administration.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund 1160
DISCUSSION:
Changing Tides Family Services (CTFS) is a well-established, diversified, community-based organization that has served Humboldt County since 1975. As the sponsor of the United States Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for licensed family child care homes, as the designated local resource and referral agency for child care, and as an integral part of the local child care framework, CTFS is in a unique position to enroll CalFresh families and to encourage healthy choices. CTFS staff has ongoing personal contact with approximately 1,100 low income families, 1,900 children and approximately 300 child care providers, including licensed homes, private centers, and license-exempt centers and providers located throughout Humboldt County.
With the execution of this agreement, CTFS will 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 have encouraged 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’ goal of providing integrated, place-based and holistic services. Continuing work through outreach partnerships with community-based organizations has led to a significant increase in CalFresh enrollment within the county and throughout the state and nation.
Therefore, DHHS recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to execute this agreement and direct the Clerk of the Board to return two executed copies of the agreement to the DHHS-Social Services Administration. Please note that pursuant to a CTFS Board Resolution dated March 24, 2016 which delegates contracting authority to the Executive Director and Deputy Director, this CalFresh agreement has been signed by Kerry Venegas, Executive Director and Connie Sundberg, Deputy Director.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with this agreement have been budgeted in the approved fiscal year 2019-20 budget in fund 1160, Budget Unit 511 in the amount of $53,276.84, with another $159,830.50 in fiscal year 2020-21, and the remainder of $106,553.66 will be included in the 2021-22 fiscal year county budget. CalFresh is funded through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - U.S. Department of Agriculture. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health 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 CTFS. 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. Professional Services Agreement with Changing Tides Family Services to Assist with CalFresh Outreach and Support Activities
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-17; D-6; C-10
Meeting of: 08/12/14; 09/22/15; 07/24/18
File No.: 14-0653; 15-1039; 18-804; 20-83