Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: 4/5ths
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Claire Cunningham, Director, Human Services Agency
Subject: Agreement with Samaritan House for Holiday Protein and Food Funding Distribution
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Recommendation to:
A) Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Samaritan House to purchase and distribute holiday proteins and distribute additional funding for emergency food, for a term of October 21, 2025 through October 20, 2026, and a total obligation amount not to exceed $888,368; and
B) Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) in the amount of $888,368 of Measure K appropriation to cover the cost of emergency food purchase and distribution.
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BACKGROUND:
In the fall of 2024, Second Harvest announced that it would no longer be able to provide any meat or poultry to support the Core Service Agencies’ (Cores) food distribution efforts for the holidays or into the new year. The Cores have continued to face a significant shortage of protein needed to meet the increased demand for those living food insecure in our communities. This shortage is due to sustained high levels of need throughout the County, the high cost of groceries, market fluctuations, and at times supply chain issues. It is an ongoing struggle to procure eggs, meats, and other protein and dairy products and our Core Agencies have had to increase their fundraising efforts and grocery rescue efforts to procure and consistently purchase these products to better the health of County residents in need.
As the Human Services Agency (HSA) prepares to implement significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, called CalFresh in California, we are working closely with Second Harvest and the Core Service Agencies to mitigate impacts to San Mateo County residents. H.R. 1 imposes stricter work requirements and limits benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, affecting immigrant groups who previously qualified for assistance. We anticipate that approximately 3,700 San Mateo County residents could lose their CalFresh benefits after 3 months if they fail or are unable to comply with the new work requirements and 588 individuals will likely lose CalFresh benefits due to changes in immigrant eligibility. The average monthly CalFresh benefit amount per household is $288, which purchases much less food these days due to high costs and inflation.
On January 24, 2025, HSA issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Core Service Agency services, which included emergency food distribution. An evaluation panel met, and using the criteria outlined in the RFP, selected multiple agencies to provide Core Services throughout the County.
Samaritan House was awarded an agreement from that RFP and has been identified as the most qualified to coordinate the purchase and distribution of holiday proteins, as well as distribute on going funding for the next 12 months.
DISCUSSION:
HSA is requesting the County enter into an agreement with Samaritan House for the term of October 21, 2025 to October 20, 2026 for a total obligation of $888,368. $130,000 will be allocated to the holiday protein program to procure and distribute various proteins to the seven Core agencies. $758,368 will be utilized to support the Cores in purchasing emergency food over the next 12 months.
The resolution contains the County’s standard provisions allowing an amendment of the County’s fiscal obligations by a maximum of $25,000 (in the aggregate).
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 26 - Anticipated |
|
Percent of individuals who request and receive directly or through a food program. |
90% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This holiday protein distribution will reach the most vulnerable residents of the County, ensuring access to quality food assistance to help residents meet their basic needs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Measure K Reserves. Concurrent with this Resolution, the Board will be approving an Appropriation Transfer Request in the amount of $888,368 in Measure K funds to cover the cost of emergency food purchase and distribution. There is no Net County Cost associated with this action.