Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation In and Appropriation of Funds for the 2018 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Grant for Children through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The City has obtained SFSP funds since 1969 and annually serves qualifying youth ages 18 and younger. The objective of the SFSP is to ensure that during the summer months, children are able to continue receiving the same high quality, nourishing meals that are provided during the school year through the National School Lunch Program. Generally, 50% of all participating children must qualify for free or reduced meals under the National Summer Lunch Program.
Discussion:
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services proposes to operate the Summer Food Food Service Program for children throughout the City during the summer of 2018. We anticipate that more than 2,500 children will participate in the SFSP which includes a significant amount of meals and snacks offered during the season. However, attendance normally drops off during the last month and during the time that year round school reopen, so the actual number of meals served may be less than projected. Other factors may also influence the projected number of meals served and the total participation for the summer. This year's program will begin on June 18, 2018 and end September 1, 2018. The direct cost of the SFSP meals is 100% funded by the USDA. The Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services Department supplements the grant through coordination and indirect program costs.
According to the Hampton City Schools Service Division for this school year, about 12,857 youth qualified for either free or reduced lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
Each year, the City Council is requested to approve this grant, in advance of the award, to facilitate the implementation of the program once the award is received.
Impact:
The SFSP is operated only during the summer months and is designed to service youth that are eligible for the National School Lunch Program during the school year. Once of the SFSP closes, the National School Lunch Program is almost ready to begin making it possible for children, who are eligible, to have free/reduced nutritional meals during the school year. Other agencies also take on the service to ensure food is available to youth throughout the week.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton, Virginia has applied for the 2018 Summer Food Service Program for Children grant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for $289,208.51 in federal funds, with no local cash match required;
WHEREAS, participation in the Summer Food Service Program fluctuates and the final award amount may increase or decrease; and
WHEREAS, the grant application covers the period between June 18, 2018 through September 1, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia accepts and appropriates the 2018 Summer Food Service Program for Children grant in the amount of $289,208.51 with no local cash match required, and any related supplemental funding, made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take the necessary steps to implement this grant award.