TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including amending the terms or changing the amount of the award, with the California Department of Public Health to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $3,093,813 to reduce obesity and chronic diseases in Long Beach for a 36-month period estimated to begin October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026, with an option to extend the agreement for an additional 36-month period, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to accept funding to support the continued implementation of the Health and Human Services Department’s (Health Department) nutrition education and chronic disease prevention efforts led by the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention’s Healthy Active Long Beach program.
The Health Department will use CDPH funding to: 1) Provide free nutrition education classes and community activities for low-income CalFresh eligible persons throughout Long Beach; 2) Lead community-driven policy, systems, and environmental change strategies to increase access to healthy foods, decrease consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and create neighborhood settings that support healthy and active lifestyles: 3) Decrease chronic disease risk and achieve health equity among the CalFresh eligible population; and, 4) Educate and increase awareness on nutrition education and related topics through culturally appropriate educational resources and community-focused activities.
This initiative is in line with the City of Long Beach’s (City) Health and Human Services Strategic Plan strategies to: promote access to healthy food and opportunities for active living to decrease the impact of obesity and chronic diseases (5.3.a); implement policy, systems, and environmental change strategies to ensure all residents have access to affordable fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods and to decrease the oversaturation of harmful food and marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages in communities with high rates of heart disease and Type II Diabetes (18.1.a / 18.1.b); increase proven food access strategies such as healthy market partnerships, farmers’ markets, community gardens, and pop up farm stands in communities with low access to healthy foods (18.1.c); increase participation in nutrition assistance programs (18.1.d); provide age and culturally appropriate nutrition and chronic disease prevention in the community (18.1.e); and, strengthen support networks and programs within the community that focus on supporting healthy lifestyles (18.1.f).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on August 3, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on August 15, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 5, 2023, to meet the CDPH deadline to accept the funding and begin implementation of the approved scope of work.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in the amount of $3,093,813 over 36 months, estimated to begin on October 1, 2023. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, General Fund, or other eligible funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER