AGENDA ITEM NO. 3
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AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina | Office of the City Manager
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| DATE: | September 15, 2026 |
TO: |
Mayor and City Council |
FROM: |
Milan Mrakich, City Manager |
SUBJECT: |
CONSIDERATION OF A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE SAN GABRIEL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE REGIONAL FOOD RECOVERY PROGRAM |
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
- Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute the Memorandum of Agreement between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and the City of West Covina for Participation in the San Gabriel Valley Regional Food Recovery Program, in such final form as approved by the City Attorney; and
- Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute related documents and future amendments to the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
In September 2016, the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1383 established statewide targets to reduce the disposal of organic waste from landfills and increase recovery of currently disposed edible food for human consumption. SB 1383 requires local jurisdictions to implement and maintain a food recovery program and strengthen their existing food recovery networks.
On November 3, 2022, West Covina entered into an MOA with SGVCOG to participate in the Regional Edible Food Recovery Program. The program was established by SGVCOG to help member cities comply with SB 1383’s food recovery mandate and reduce food waste in the San Gabriel Valley.
In Spring 2022, the City was awarded Round One SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant funding from CalRecycle in the amount of $195,787. This non-competitive grant program provided funding to local jurisdictions to assist with the implementation of regulation requirements associated with SB 1383.
In December 2023, the City approved a Letter of Authorization to join SGVCOG’s regional joint application for the SB 1383 grant program through CalRecycle on behalf of its member cities. The combined joint SB 1383 grant funds were used to fund the program and pay for the services that the participating cities received from the program, including edible food recovery site visits, inspections and enforcement.
The Regional Food Recovery Program, now known as FRESH SGV, was established to help member agencies comply with SB 1383's food recovery mandates and reduce food waste in the San Gabriel Valley. Known as one of the largest regional food recovery programs in California, this program assesses commercial edible food waste generators, identifies, and fosters partnerships with local food recovery organizations, implements outreach and education endeavors, and develops and implements inspection protocols.
In 2022, the State of California approved the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant for local agencies to be used for the implementation of SB 1383 related programs. In the first round of the grant program administered by CalRecycle, each participating city had individual grant agreements, which imposed limitations on program administration. The following grant cycle, CalRecycle updated the program guidelines to allow Joint Powers Authorities to apply on behalf of its member agencies, allowing cities to designate an administering body to provide regional solutions.
West Covina, along with eighteen (18) other participating cities, joined the SGVCOG’s regional application for SB 1383 grant funding. SGVCOG used the joint grant funds for the development and implementation of FRESH SGV, including the development of food recovery organizations and funding inspection and enforcement services for participating cities.
On November 3, 2022, West Covina entered into an MOA with SGVCOG to participate in the Regional Edible Food Recovery Program. The program was established by SGVCOG to help member cities comply with SB 1383’s food recovery mandate and reduce food waste in the San Gabriel Valley.
In Spring 2022, the City was awarded Round One SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant funding from CalRecycle in the amount of $195,787. This non-competitive grant program provided funding to local jurisdictions to assist with the implementation of regulation requirements associated with SB 1383.
In December 2023, the City approved a Letter of Authorization to join SGVCOG’s regional joint application for the SB 1383 grant program through CalRecycle on behalf of its member cities. The combined joint SB 1383 grant funds were used to fund the program and pay for the services that the participating cities received from the program, including edible food recovery site visits, inspections and enforcement.
The Regional Food Recovery Program, now known as FRESH SGV, was established to help member agencies comply with SB 1383's food recovery mandates and reduce food waste in the San Gabriel Valley. Known as one of the largest regional food recovery programs in California, this program assesses commercial edible food waste generators, identifies, and fosters partnerships with local food recovery organizations, implements outreach and education endeavors, and develops and implements inspection protocols.
In 2022, the State of California approved the SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant for local agencies to be used for the implementation of SB 1383 related programs. In the first round of the grant program administered by CalRecycle, each participating city had individual grant agreements, which imposed limitations on program administration. The following grant cycle, CalRecycle updated the program guidelines to allow Joint Powers Authorities to apply on behalf of its member agencies, allowing cities to designate an administering body to provide regional solutions.
West Covina, along with eighteen (18) other participating cities, joined the SGVCOG’s regional application for SB 1383 grant funding. SGVCOG used the joint grant funds for the development and implementation of FRESH SGV, including the development of food recovery organizations and funding inspection and enforcement services for participating cities.
DISCUSSION:
West Covina has received significant benefits from FRESH SGV. The inspection and education services provided through FRESH SGV have resulted in most of West Covina’s food generators becoming compliant with SB 1383 requirements. The SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant program will end November 2, 2026. For cities that wish to continue receiving FRESH SGV services, they must provide the funding necessary for SGVCOG to continue implementing the program.
FRESH SGV Program services, which are described in Exhibit A to the proposed MOA, will include:
FRESH SGV Program services, which are described in Exhibit A to the proposed MOA, will include:
- Program Management — SGVCOG will oversee overall program implementation and coordination.
- Careit Software Subscription — SGVCOG will retain a Careit Executive Account to help increase commercial edible food generator access to food recovery organizations and food recovery services.
- Inspections — SGVCOG and its consultants will complete inspections of Tier 1 and Tier 2 edible food generators (EFGs) and food recovery organizations (FROs),
- Edible Food Recovery Program Implementation — SGVCOG will implement projects that ensure and enhance the region’s capacity to recover edible food, as required by SB 1383.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the agreement and approved it as to form.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options:
- Approve the staff recommendation; or
- Provide alternative direction.
Prepared by:
Kelly McDonald, Assistant to the City Manager
Additional Approval:
Roxanne E. Lerma, Assistant City Manager
Fiscal Impact
FISCAL IMPACT:
Sufficient funding is available in Fund 129 (AB939) of the approved FY 2026-2027 budget. The cost for FY 2027-2028 will be included in next year’s Budget, accordingly.
Attachments
CITY COUNCIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Maintain Good Intergovernmental Relations