Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Franklinton Farms in support of its AmeriCorps Workforce & Food Access Program.
Franklinton Farms’ mission is to grow and share food, create beauty, and build community health through urban agriculture.
For this program, ten AmeriCorps members will grow and distribute fresh produce across 12 urban farm sites, maintain Franklinton Farms’ free 24/7 U-Pick Garden, and support its sliding-scale Weekly Harvest Pack Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). The program primarily serves low-to-moderate income households facing barriers to healthy food access while also providing workforce development training in urban agriculture and community engagement.
In 2026, AmeriCorps members will help cultivate and distribute approximately $160,000 in fresh produce, serve at least 50 low-to-moderate income CSA households, and engage 400-700 families through the U-Pick Garden. The program will support 3,500+ volunteer hours and strengthen neighborhood food infrastructure. Success will be measured by documented food production value, number of households served, volunteer engagement, and successful completion of AmeriCorps service terms.
City Council is proposing $20,000.00 for the workforce and food access program.
FISCAL IMPACT: $20,000.00 is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund for this purpose.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency designation is requested in order for Franklinton Farms to ensure no interruption in food distribution to households in need.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Franklinton Farms in support of its AmeriCorps Workforce & Food Access Program; to authorize an appropriation of $15,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; to authorize the expenditure of $20,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($20,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, ...
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