Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with LifeCare Alliance in support of the Meals-on-Wheels program.
Funds will be used to provide nutritious meals to older adults and individuals living with a medical challenge and/or disability in central Ohio. At $5.00/meal, funding will pay for 200,000 meals for clients living in the City of Columbus. Meals-on-Wheels provides food and healthy meals to older adults and individuals living with a medical challenge and/or disability in central Ohio. The program has experienced significant expansion as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic because it serves those most vulnerable to the virus - seniors and individuals with a medical challenge. LifeCare Alliance serves approximately 5,000 home-delivered meals per day (7,000 during COVID-19), and is the largest provider of senior meals senior meals through community dining centers in both central Ohio and the state, according to the Ohio Department of Aging.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Recovery Fund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any disruption of meal delivery service for seniors and vulnerable residents.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with LifeCare Alliance in support of the Meals-on-Wheels program; to authorize an expenditure within the Recovery fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,000,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant impact on food security, particularly among seniors and vulnerable residents; and
WHEREAS, expenditure of American Rescue Plan Act funding to sustain and enhance the Meals-on-Wheels program is necessary to address this food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency;
WHEREAS, Meals-on-Wheels provides food and healthy meals to older adults and individuals living with a medical challenge and/or disability in central Ohio; and
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