Request for Committee Action
A briefing memo explaining the purpose, background, and impact of the requested action.
Minnesota COVID Food Fund grant for food distribution services during the COVID-19 Pandemic (RCA-2020-01057)
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
To Committee(s)
| # | Committee Name | Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Public Health & Safety Committee | November 5, 2020 |
Action Item(s)
| # | File Type | Subcategory | Item Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Action | Grant | Accepting a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Office of Economic Opportunity, in the amount of $88,017, to support emergency food distribution services during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
| 2 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the grant. |
| 3 | Resolution | Appropriation | Passage of Resolution approving appropriation of funds to the Health Department. |
Ward / Neighborhood / Address
| # | Ward | Neighborhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ward 9 |
Background Analysis
The Health Department is seeking approval to accept a grant in the amount of $88,017 from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Office of Economic Opportunity in conjunction with Hunger Solutions Minnesota. Funds in this grant agreement are for a period through December 31, 2020.
This project supports provision of critical emergency supplies and culturally specific food resources to BIPOC Minneapolis residents, especially Latinx community members residing in the vicinity of Powderhorn Park and Corcoran Park who were impacted by employment shutdown during the pandemic. The distribution serves 300-700 households weekly on Fridays. The project began on June 5 and the funds support sustained operation and adaptation needed as the distribution serves ongoing need in the colder months. Funds will support activities occurring in the fourth quarter of 2020.
This project has been implemented collaboratively by staff from the City of Minneapolis Health Department and Neighborhood and Community Relations team in partnership with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Second Harvest Heartland, The Food Group, local community organizers. The grant enables development of new partnership with Corcoran Neighborhood Organization staff and facilities. We are developing and implementing pilot partnership with Corcoran Neighborhood Organization to support operations and volunteer support, enhancing operations with supplies and technology, supporting committed organizers and volunteers with stipends for their work, and providing critical hygiene supplies to community members who are in desperate need.