Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Food Leads, Inc. in support of its Healthy Connections program. This ordinance authorizes an upfront payment to Food Leads to support these efforts, as it does not currently have sufficient funds on-hand to await reimbursement for expenses incurred.
Healthy Connections will support 50 low-income Black seniors (60+) on Columbus’ Near East Side, a population disproportionately impacted by chronic illness, food insecurity, social isolation, and financial strain, while also possessing strong community ties and cultural knowledge that are powerful assets to support well-being. Over two free 8-week cohorts, participants receive weekly meal kits designed for heart health and diabetes management; walking groups that foster connection and peer support; nutrition and cooking classes offering practical, culturally relevant strategies for healthy eating; and art therapy and gardening sessions promoting creativity, physical activity, and emotional well-being. Together, these activities empower seniors to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.
City Council is proposing $6,000.00 for the Healthy Connections program.
FISCAL IMPACT: $6,000.00 is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund for this purpose.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency designation is requested in order for Food Leads, Inc. to ensure immediate service for food distribution and nutritional support to seniors in need.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into an advance payment grant agreement with Food Leads, Inc. in support of its Healthy Connections program; to authorize the expenditure of $6,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; to authorize the expenditure of funds for the payment of reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses; and to declare an emergency. ($6,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is need to provide support and r...
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