DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Grant Application and Acceptance of Summer Food Service Program
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for $1,135,266.31 to fund the 2015 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department (SAPAR) for the period of June 15, 2015, through August 14, 2015. This action also authorizes the acceptance of the grant if awarded, any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant, as well as carry forward of remaining funds from the 2014 program of up to $103,175.51, for a total program budget of approximately $1,238,441.82.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This application will allow the continuation of the Summer Food Service Program that has provided nutritional meals to children age eighteen and below in our community during the summer months since 1969. The program will enable service to over 6,655 children, with maximum capacity to serve approximately 258,755 lunches and 244,950 snacks throughout the summer in conjunction with the SAPAR's Summer Youth Programs and other city-wide non-profit organizations' programs at over 60 sites. The Parks and Recreation Department provides these services through an outside contractor selected through a competitive process. Parks and Recreation staff coordinated with Metro Health to ensure a Por Vida designated and reduced sodium healthy menu this year.
If awarded, this ordinance allows the establishment of a fund, budget and 14 temporary employee positions to coordinate the food program. The proposed budget for the Summer Food Service Program is outlined in Attachment I. The positions will meet all applicable guidelines regarding temporary employees. This ordinance will also allow the City to accept any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant. Funds are provided through reimbursement of actual expenditures associated with the program.
ISSUE:
The Texas Department of Agriculture grant application is consistent with City policy to apply for grants to enhance service delivery by supplementing local funds. This item authorizes the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture to fund the 2015 Summer Food Service Program, acceptance of the grant if awarded and any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.
ALTERNATIVES:
Non-submission of the grant application will require other funds be identified in order for the program to continue, or require that children participating in these programs provide for their own meals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
In addition to the $1,135,266.31 grant, this action also authorizes the carry forward of remaining funds from the 2014 program of $103,175.51, for a total program budget of $1,238,441.82. This will provide for all project costs, including personnel and support services. Over 80% or $996,305.85 is allocated for the purchase of food, with the remainder utilized for support services, including personnel, transportation, equipment, and fees. Funds are provided through reimbursement of actual expenditures associated with the program. This action requires no General Fund commitment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval for this ordinance authorizing the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture for $1,135,266.31 to fund the 2015 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department for the period of June 15, 2015, through August 14, 2015, the acceptance of the grant if awarded, and any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.