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 and acceptance of funds upon award, from the Texas Department of Agriculture for $1,208,541.26 to fund the 2017 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department (SAPAR) for the period of June 12, 2017, through August 18, 2017. This action also authorizes the carry forward of remaining funds from the 2016 program of up to $58,301.29, for a total program budget of approximately $1,266,842.55, as well as any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.
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 5,600 children, with maximum capacity to serve approximately 261,335 lunches and 251,615 snacks throughout the summer in conjunction with the SAPAR’s Summer Youth Programs and other city-wide non-profit organizations at over 55 sites such as, YWCA, La Promesa, St. John Bosco, and various university PREP courses. The Parks and Recreation Department provides these services through Selrico Services, Inc., an outside contractor selected through a competitive process in January 2015 and is in the third year of a five year agreement. Parks and Recreation staff coordinated with Metro Health to ensure a Por Vida designated and reduced sodium healthy menu again this year.
If awarded, this ordinance allows the establishment of a fund, budget and 12 temporary employee positions to coordinate the food program. The proposed budget for the Summer Food Service Program is outlined in Attachment I. 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.
ISSUE:
This item authorizes the submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture to fund the 2017 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 the Summer Youth Program, at swimming pools, or other agency summer programs will have to provide their own meals.
FISCAL IMPACT:
In addition to the $1,208,541.26 grant, this action also authorizes the carry forward of remaining funds from the 2016 program of $58,301.29, for a total program budget of $1,266,842.55. This will provide for all project costs, including personnel and support services. The $1,061.947.90 allocated for the purchase of food equals 84% of the total program budget (including carry forward). The remainder is utilized for support services, including personnel, transportation, equipment, and fees. 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 $1,208,541.26 to fund the 2017 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department for the period of June 12, 2017, through August 18, 2017, 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, as well as the carry forward remaining funds from the 2016 program of up to $58,301.29.