Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Board of Health to enter into a grant agreement with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank dba Mid-Ohio Food Collective for the amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for food distribution operations. This funding support is necessary due to the continued threatened cessation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and gaps in that funding.
According to data from Ohio Jobs and Family Services, approximately 12.8% of households in Columbus receive SNAP benefits. These benefits are crucial to preventing hunger and supporting food security among the City’s residents. Franklin County has 173,523 SNAP beneficiaries obtaining approximately $31 million per month in benefits. Additionally, Columbus City Schools estimates that approximately 29,000 students receive SNAP benefits. For many of these households, SNAP benefits constitute the primary or sole means by which they can afford to purchase food The city recognizes that a TRO was granted on 10.31.25, and anticipates that the benefits to eligible recipients will be made available sometime this month. Due to the gap period, however, the city is requesting continued emergency funding to be able to serve the community during this time.
The City’s community partners-including local food pantries-have reported an increase in residents seeking emergency food assistance since the federal government shutdown began in early October
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a non-profit organization that services twenty counties in Ohio, and is the largest food bank in the state. Its mission is to end hunger one nourishing meal at a time while co-creating communities where everyone thrives.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency designation is requested in order for Mid-Ohio Food Collective to immediately address the food distribution need exacerbated by the federal shutdown and the need to fill the gap as SNAP benefits are loaded.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $10,000.00 from the Health Special Revenue Fund with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective for food distribution operations.
Title
To authorize and direct the Board of Health to enter into a grant agreement with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank dba Mid-Ohio Food Collective; to authorize the expenditure of $10,000.00 from Health Special Revenue Fund; to authorize the expenditure of funds on reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses; and to declare an emergency. ($10,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is need to provide support and resources to our community partners, which will be facing greater need as the federal shutdown affects food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC; and
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Foodbank is a non-profit organization that services twenty counties in Ohio, and is the largest food bank in the state; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Ginther is proposing support of $10,000.00 in support of their food distribution needs; and
WHEREAS, $10,000.00 is available within the General Fund for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Columbus Public Health Department in that it is necessary to enter into grant agreements immediately with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank dba Mid-Ohio Food Collective for food distribution operations to address the food distribution needs exacerbated by the federal shutdown and the delay in SNAP benefits , all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; and now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Columbus Public Health Department is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a grant agreement with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank dba Mid-Ohio Food Collective for food distribution operations
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $10,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed pursuant to the action authorized in SECTION 1, is hereby authorized in the Health Operating Fund, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That Columbus Public Health is hereby authorized to advance funds on a pre-determined schedule provided in the terms of the grant agreements authorized in Section 1.
SECTION 4. That the purchase and distribution of food and beverage corresponding to the program’s activities are deemed to serve a public purpose for the reasons stated in the Explanation portion of this ordinance, and that the total expenditure authorized in Section 2 may be expended on food and non-alcoholic beverages.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.