STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: May 11, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Community Care
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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A resolution authorizing approval of the program statement for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)/Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) - Food Banks/Pantries Support Program, as shown in Exhibit A, to provide financial support in the form of grants to Dallas-based Hunger Relief Organizations that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or by needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The Novel Coronavirus Disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic and its resulting economic impacts have put a strain on many local Hunger Relief Organizations. Since Spring of 2020, the City has seen tremendous demand for community social services provided by local nonprofits. City of Dallas nonprofit organizations have experienced negative economic impacts or disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including, but not limited to, decreased revenue, increased costs, increased service need in the community, and other financial hardships.
The Food Banks Support Program will provide financial support to food banks, food pantries, and hunger relief organizations located in the city of Dallas. There is a need for this funding, as approximately 20% of Dallas County faces food insecurity, and nearly 38% of city of Dallas residents live in a food desert. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn increased demand for local food pantries and distribution sites among city of Dallas residents impacted the pandemic due to job loss, reduced or lost income, and increased expenses.
Data from the City Innovation Project show disparities in food access and behavior when comparing zip codes with the highest levels of impact from COVID-19 and the city as a whole. Individuals living in high-impacted COVID-19 areas are more likely to state that “they sometimes or often cannot afford to eat balanced meals and had to make less healthy options due to cost” compared to respondents overall (39% for high-impact COVID-19 areas versus 23% for respondents overall). Additionally, a 2021 survey of Dallas nonprofits seeking insight on the impact of the pandemic showed that approximately 40% of the organizations indicated food assistance as one of the highest priority needs for their clients. These surveys, along with meetings with local hunger relief entities, were used to develop this Program Statement.
The Food Banks Support Program will financially support hunger-relief organizations located in the city of Dallas in their mission to provide food to city of Dallas residents by providing funding for: storage equipment, food costs, and other items to support food distribution program delivery. The Program Statement outlines that the City may seek a third-party administrator to provide the grants, which will allow for leveraging opportunities to maximize impact of the funds.
This item authorizes acceptance of the program statement for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - Food Banks/Pantries Support Program to provide financial support in the form of grants to Dallas-based Hunger Relief Organizations that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or by needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 23, 2021, the City Council authorized application for and acceptance of a direct allocation from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund of the Treasury in the total amount of $355,426,891.00, by Resolution No. 21-1149.
On August 18, 2021, City Council was briefed on allocation of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, including allocation of $800,000.00 to the Food Banks/Pantries Support Program to provide financial support in the form of grants to Dallas-based Hunger Relief Organizations that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or by needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 22, 2021, City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget, which authorized the appropriation of $355,426,891.00 from the American Rescue Plan Act in Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, including $25,400,000.00 to support people in crisis by providing mental health care, children/family services, food/essentials assistance, benefits/financial navigation, and contract oversight/technology, by Resolution No. 21-1590.
On April 11, 2022, the Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee was briefed on the proposed program statement for the ARPA Food Banks/Pantries Support Program, and recommended approval of the program statement.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.