Authorize Application for and Acceptance of, if Awarded, a Grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture in an Amount Up to $950,000.00 for the 2017 Summer Food Service Program, a Federally Funded Program Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture to Provide Nutritious Meals to Children When Schools are Not in Session, Authorize Related Contracts, Adopt Appropriation Ordinance, and Waive Indirect Costs (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the application for and acceptance of, if awarded, a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture in an amount up to $950,000.00 for the 2017 Summer Food Service Program;

2.  Authorize the execution of related contracts, including any amendments, renewals and extensions in accordance with City and Texas Department of Agriculture policies and regulations for the grants funds for the 2017 program year;

3.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund in the amount of $950,000.00, plus an additional $2,000.00 in earned interest attributable to funds received, subject to receipt of the grant; and

4.  Waive indirect costs in the amount of $13,200.00.

The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to authorize a grant application to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to underwrite the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks that are prepared and delivered by a private vendor to youths 18 years of age and younger.  Since 1969, the City has sponsored the SFSP.  No matching funds are required.  It is projected that 350,000 meals and snacks will be served during the period from June through August.

The TDA requires that each lunch meal includes servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and bread, healthful meat portions and low fat milk.  Snacks provided consist of whole grain products and 100 percent fruit juice.

The Community Services Division of the Neighborhood Services Department will administer the SFSP, according to guidelines established by the TDA and the United States Department of Agriculture. The program requires daily monitoring of serving sites, which are schools, community centers, vacation bible schools and apartment complexes with low-income meal programs.  Therefore, 10 temporary employees, all grant funded, will be added to aid in the monitoring and implementation of the program.

The TDA has become the administering State agency for the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and Special Milk Program in all participating public, private and residential facilities in Texas.  On April 13, 2010, (M&C C-24178) the City Council approved entering into a standard Permanent Agreement with TDA for participation in these programs.  This contract will be valid until terminated.  However, the City will still need to make an annual application to receive grant funds, and Staff will continue to bring forward M&Cs to receive the City Council's authorization to continue this program.

A waiver by the City of indirect costs will maximize program benefits. SFSP provides for a 0.5 full-time position and 10 temporary staff positions with estimated direct salaries of $80,000.00. The addition of indirect costs would result in the reduction of staff and services. The estimated indirect costs that are being asked to be waived is $13,200.00.

This program serves ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.

This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: (Texas Department of Agriculture).