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 economic uncertainty, more people are also struggling to feed themselves and their families a healthy diet; and
WHEREAS, Ohio farmers and urban growers have found their farmers markets, restaurants, and institutional relationships strained, even shuttered; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted an increased risk for low-income residents to face food insecurity, especially in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in Columbus Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Farmers Market Network in support of the Columbus Food Box Program pilot, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Columbus Public Health is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Farmers Market Network in support of their Food Box Program pilot.
SECTION 2. That per the action authorized in Section 1 of this ordinance, the expenditure of $12,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby authorized per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be enforced from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.