Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Consider Proposal for Grocery Assistance Program for Senior Citizens.
End
From: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
Requested by: Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen
Prepared by: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
*Staff reports prepared by staff on behalf of members of the City Council do not reflect the opinions of staff and are generated in collaboration with the requesting council member(s).
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Consider plan for distributing gift cards for residents ages 65 and older and veterans experiencing food insecurity.
Recommendation
BACKGROUND
Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen requested an item to be placed on the agenda to consider implementing an additional round of the Grocery Assistance Program to assist residents ages 65 and older and veterans experiencing food insecurity during the holidays.
On October 26, 2022, the Mayor and City Council approved an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Revised Funding Proposal plan, allocating $250,000 for the development and implementation of a Food Resiliency Program.
On October 23, 2024, the Mayor and City Council approved the authorization of the Mayor, on behalf of the City, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Agreement with the Community Services Department to utilize those grant funds to provide food resources to low-income households in Westminster who have expressed a need for greater food security.
The Community Services and Recreation Department proposed to address this need by expanding or continuing existing programs such as senior meals, food trolley, grocery resources, and gift cards to be used to augment meal services available for low-income residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program costs include both direct and indirect costs such as the provision of actual food resources, staff assistance in application intake, distribution, contracting with service providers, and distributing resources for food resiliency. Staff will manage procurement, distribution, tracking, auditing, and compliance for the food resiliency programs.
A gift card distribution program complies with the guidelines of the approved MOU Agreement. Currently, the Community Services and Recreation Department is also facilitating several other programs to address food insecurity needs in the community.
Ø Through the Westminster Senior Center, services include:
• Home Delivered Meals to home-bound Seniors in Westminster via Meals on Wheels;
• Congregate Meal Program (hot lunches) offered Monday - Friday in the Senior Center (donation requested but not required);
• Monthly Commodities Distribution, a collaboration with Community Action Partnership Orange County (CAPOC) for shelf stable items plus fresh food when available;
• Twice Monthly Hot-Breakfast Program supported with funds provided by the Assistance League; and
• Continuous linkages for resources on county-wide food pantries and grocery assistance programs.
Ø Through the Westminster Family Resource Center, services include:
• Expanded access to CalFresh by providing enrollment assistance;
• On-Site dry food pantry with non-perishable food items;
• Emergency Assistance for basic needs including food and other household items;
• Monthly Clementine Food Trolley, a collaboration with Community Action Partnership Orange County (CAPOC) for shelf stable items plus fresh food and frozen meals when available; and
• Continuous linkages for resources on county-wide food pantries and grocery assistance programs.
Acknowledging the continual financial challenges being faced by the most vulnerable in our community, Mayor Nguyen is proposing to allocate $200,000 of the available ARPA Food Resiliency Program funding to purchase and distribute gift cards.
The following implementation parameters and eligibility requirements are recommended to provide a positive experience during the distribution process:
• Gift cards in the amount of $150 per person
• Westminster residents ages 65 and older, and veterans
• Proof of identification and residency required upon receipt of the gift card
• Distribution on a first-come, first-served basis in a manner to be determined
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) requires compliance with all Federal grant programs. Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200 (2 CFR 200) mandates competitive bidding for procurements funded by federal dollars. To comply with ARPA regulations, the purchase of gift cards will require a minimum of two bids, an approved purchase order, an agreement signed by the City Manager and City Council approval before the time of purchase. Should Mayor Nguyen’s proposal be approved, staff will initiate this process and develop program implementation parameters.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in American Rescue Act program 21500 account 212314.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impose significant financial hardships on Westminster residents, particularly those most vulnerable. This additional program seeks to offer some respite to those in greatest need. The City Council is requested to consider this proposal from Mayor Nguyen and provide direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Westminster and Westminster Community Services Department.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Christine Cordon, City Manager