Explanation
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with AVENEU in support of its Stabilization Project for food access. This ordinance authorizes an upfront payment to AVENEU to support these efforts, as it does not currently have sufficient funds on-hand to await reimbursement for expenses incurred.
AVENEU is a community grocery and food access space in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood of Columbus, designed to expand affordable access to healthy food through a membership-based model. The program primarily serves low- to moderate-income residents, including SNAP/EBT users, families facing food insecurity, and individuals with limited access to fresh food options. Through subsidized memberships, participants receive monthly food credits that increase their purchasing power and improve consistency of access. Requested funds will support a six-month pilot to launch and stabilize operations: Funding will subsidize community memberships, reducing financial barriers to entry. Funds will also support staffing to maintain consistent store hours, customer service, and inventory management. The pilot will allow AVENEU to test demand, refine operations, and measure outcomes.
City Council is proposing $55,000.00 for the Stabilization Project.
FISCAL IMPACT: $55,000.00 is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund for this purpose.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency designation is requested in order for AVENEU to ensure immediate service for food distribution to households in need.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into an advance payment grant agreement with AVENEU in support of its Stabilization Project for food access; to authorize the payment of food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses; to authorize the expenditure of $55,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($55,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, there is need to provide support and res...
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