Explanation
This ordinance authorizes a grant agreement with the Ohio Farmers Market Network in support of the Columbus Food Box Program pilot.
As of May 2020, 13.7% of Columbus, Ohio residents are out of work due to closings and restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic. During this time of economic uncertainty, more people are also struggling to feed themselves and their families a healthy diet. At the same time, Ohio farmers and urban growers have found their farmers markets, restaurants, and institutional relationships strained, even shuttered. Those who rely solely on direct-to-consumer outlets have been significantly impacted by decreased or cancelled orders, just as the Ohio growing season ramps up.
The program will build strong neighborhoods by connecting Columbus area local food focused community organizations who feed their own communities (host locations) and Columbus urban growers and Ohio farmers who grow the food. Recruitment will focus on identifying black and brown led organizations to serve as host locations and black and brown growers and farmers to provide the produce. The program will be piloted at multiple locations with a goal of at least 75% of the community host organizations being black and brown led.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Health Operating fund.
Emergency action is requested in order to provide the resources necessary to initiate the pilot and to begin the provision of fresh food to neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Title
To authorize Columbus Public Health to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Farmers Market Network in support of the Columbus Food Box Program pilot; to authorize an expenditure within the Health Operating Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($12,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant number of Ohio residents that are out of work due to closings and restrictions; and
WHEREAS, during this time of ...
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