REPORT TO CITY-SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Note and File this Informational Memo on a Proposed Supplemental Food Program for Santa Clara Families (Council Pillar: Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency)
Report
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on August 19th, members of the City-School Liaison Committee requested staff develop options in a joint effort to continue the distribution of food for families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this report is to present an option that would distribute supplemental food to Santa Clara families.
DISCUSSION
On Thursday, August 27th, City and District staff met to discuss a possible partnership with the Salvation Army to re-establish a supplemental meal program. The parties had agreed on a conceptual model to be presented at the September 2nd City-School Liaison Committee meeting.
On Monday, August 31st, the City and District received notification that the USDA had extended the Free Meals for Kids program funding through December 31, 2020. This will now allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure children have access to nutritious food as the country continues dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of the rapidly developing situation, a verbal update on the resumption of services will be provided at the Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The actions being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
It is anticipated that the restoration of services will have minimal fiscal impact except for costs associated with staff support for the distribution of food. Meals will be available through the District’s Nutrition Programs.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Committee agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff does not have a recommendation. This report is for informational purposes only.
Staff
Reviewed by: Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Deanna Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Map of Salvation Army