Explanation
BACKGROUND: The City of Columbus health statistics show an increase in disease associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. To encourage healthy and active living Columbus Public Health has budgeted $20,000.00 in the Health Special Revenue Fund for making grants to non-profit organizations for community gardening projects. City Council wishes to support this project and has made available in the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund an additional $6,280.00.
Columbus is a mecca for community gardens. From 12 plots in 2000, to approximately 250 community gardens today, thousands of residents benefit from greater access to nutritious food, community engagement, beautification, food security and multiculturalism. More than 40,000 pounds of fresh produce is donated annually to food pantries and residents who live in food deserts, far from grocery stores. Community gardens are one key tool in the effort to make the healthy choice an easy choice.
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate funds in the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund, authorize the expenditure from the Health Special Operating Fund and Neighborhood Initiatives Fund and to authorize the payment of $26,280.00 to The Columbus Foundation, Foundation for Active Living for the management of the 2016 Community Gardening Project.
The Foundation for Active Living is a donor-advised fund that was established by the Columbus Board of Health with The Columbus Foundation in 2008 under the authority of Ordinance No. 1210-2008, approved by City Council on July 14, 2008. Ordinance No. 0493-2011, approved by City Council on April 4, 2011, amended the agreement with The Columbus Foundation by authorizing The Columbus Foundation, Foundation for Active Living, to accept funds from the City.
This ordinance is submitted as an emergency so as to allow this appropriation and the expenditure to be received by The Columbus Foundation, Foundation for Active Living as soon as possible for the development of com...
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