REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on 2021 Senior Meal Program and Related Budget Amendment
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
At the 2021 Council Priority Setting Session, Council confirmed that its top priority is COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
Shortly after the Shelter-in-Place order was issued by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department on March 16, 2020, the City implemented two food distribution programs, one for youth and one for seniors. At that time, the City leveraged an existing relationship with Levy Premium Foods, the Convention Center food and beverage service provider, to prepare and package shelf-stable breakfasts and lunches.
The program for youth, entitled "Healthy Meals Santa Clara" distributed meals using a commodity point of distribution (CPOD) model at four (4) locations throughout the City from March 26, 2020 through May 28, 2020. In June 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued waivers to its programs that allowed the school district to obtain food resources to support a grab and go program. As changes to the USDA guidelines allowed the school district to obtain food services resources for youth directly and at no cost to the City, the City ceased its operations.
Launched on March 20, 2020, the Senior Meal Program distributes weekend meal packages via CPOD model at the Senior Center to seniors who regularly attend the City's Monday through Friday Senior Nutrition Program and to homebound seniors. The homebound senior meal packages are delivered by members of the Santa Clara Fire Department. The Senior Meal Program remains on-going and additional funding is needed to continue program services.
The original purchase order of $700,000 to support the City's meal programs was supported by private community donations and reallocation of General Fund dollars from the City Manager's Office budget.
DISCUSSION
As noted above,...
Click here for full text