DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Homer Garcia III
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Grant Acceptance of Summer Food Service Program
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of funds up to $1,290,640.16 from the Texas Department of Agriculture in support of the 2020 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department (SAPAR) for the period of June 1, 2020, through August 21, 2020. This action also authorizes any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This grant acceptance 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 Summer Food Service Program will have the capacity to provide food delivery services to over 6,000 children making available over 254,000 meals and 254,000 snacks throughout the summer Monday - Friday during the grant period. Selrico Services, Inc. was selected through a competitive process and awarded a contract in March 2020 to provide these services. Selrico is in the first year of a five year agreement.
This ordinance allows the establishment of a fund, budget, and grant-funded temporary food monitor positions to implement 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:
The grant application submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture is consistent with City policy to apply for grants to enhance service delivery by supplementing local funds. This item authorizes the acceptance of funds from the Texas Department of Agriculture grant to fund the 2020 Summer Food Service Program, and acceptance of any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect not to approve this grant acceptance and require other funds be identified in order for the program to continue.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant will provide for all project costs, including personnel and support services. Funds allocated for the purchase of food equal up to $1,054,454.65 (equivalent to 82% of the total program budget). The remainder is utilized for support services, including personnel, transportation, equipment, and fees. This action requires no General Fund commitment.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the acceptance of grant funds up to $1,290,640.16 from the Texas Department of Agriculture in support of the 2020 Summer Food Service Program operated by the Parks and Recreation Department for the period of June 1, 2020, through August 21, 2020, and the acceptance of any additional Texas Department of Agriculture funds for food service awarded during the term of this grant.