Approve agreement with Yolo Food Bank using American Rescue Plan funds for the purchase of fixed assets or equipment to increase and sustain enhanced food distribution, food materials, and overhead support to assist Countywide food distribution not to exceed $1,178,000 for the period of May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024. (No general fund impact) (Pinedo/York)

On September 28, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the initial American Rescue Plan (ARP) Expenditure Plan, which included $3,000,000 for projects under the Food Security priority category. The Board then subsequently reviewed and provided direction on certain food security funding at the January 25, 2022 board meeting and expressed support for funding the Yolo Food Bank. Staff has worked with Yolo Food Bank to develop the final contract which is recommended for approval with this staff report. Additional information on the scope of the contract with the Food Bank and performance measures are described below:  

Yolo Food Bank - Nurture Yolo 
Funding this contract with Yolo Food Bank will help address disparities in public health outcomes and economic impacts, including childhood health and those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and promote healthy childhood environments by increasing food security. This project will sustain and increase current food security in Yolo County through the continued development of an equitable, sustainable local food system. The performance measures and outcomes associated with this project include tracking the number of people served, the pounds of food distributed, the efficiency of the Yolo Food Bank in providing the services, and if food insecure residents negatively impacted by COVID-19 feel more food security as a result of the project. More information about this contract, including a statement of work, budget, and performance measures, may be found in Attachment A. 

No competitive bid is required. The countywide ARP funds were allocated as part of the Board's FY 2021-22 budget hearing on September 28, 2021. The Board provided direction of ARP funds set aside for Food Security at the January 25, 2022 Board meeting.