Approve agreement with Rural Innovations in Social Economics (RISE), Incorporated, using American Rescue Plan funds in the amount of $6,500 for the period of November 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, to purchase equipment for the Salad Bar for Seniors program, which will provide consistent healthy meals to rural seniors and youth two times a week, year-round at the RISE Community Service Center. (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. At the October 25, 2022, Board meeting, Staff presented funding recommendations to allocate the remaining $1.3 million in the Food Security category. The Board expressed support for funding Rural Innovations in Social Economics, Inc. (RISE). Staff has worked with RISE to develop the final contract, which is recommended for approval with this staff report. Additional information on the scope of the contract with RISE and performance measures are described below.

RISE - Salad Bar for Rural Seniors 

Funding this contract with RISE will help purchase equipment for the Salad Bar for Seniors program, which will provide consistent healthy meals to rural seniors and youth two times a week, year-round, at the RISE Community Service Center. RISE has provided a Senior Citizen Recreation Program in Esparto for nearly two decades. The program operates two times per week. This project will use 100% of the funds for equipment to help serve rural seniors with regular meals. The funds will be used in particular, but not limited to a durable salad bar, ice-making machine, fridge or freezer, and various kitchen utensils that will allow the RISE team to provide consistent healthy meal options to the rural senior residents at the RISE Community Service Center. The one-time investment will allow the RISE Community Service Center to provide seamless meal options to rural seniors and the community for years to come.

RISE currently has approximately 25 rural Senior participants who attend the program each Tuesday and Thursday. The program operates year-round and will serve approximately 2,600 meals directly to the most vulnerable rural senior citizens. Moreover, RISE also operates a wide range of children's youth programs. Access to a Salad Bar will also allow direct food services to the rural youth. 

The performance measures associated with this project include tracking the number of meals served, the number of senior participants, and if there was an increase in food access for rural seniors and rural youth. 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 FY2021-22 budget hearing on September 28, 2021. The Board provided direction on the remaining Food Security ARP fund allocation at the October 25, 2022, Board meeting.