Label
Agreement w/TLCHD for Healthy Food Small Market Program
Department of Economic Development
Brandon Sehlhorst (x1692)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health to support the Healthy Food Small Market Program; authorizing the appropriation and expenditure of $355,297 from the General Fund; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City of Toledo entered into an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health (“TLCHD”) to establish the Healthy Food Small Market Program, a pilot initiative designed to increase access to fresh, nutritious foods in underserved Toledo neighborhoods. The City committed $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funding to support implementation of the pilot program as part of its response to the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program partners with small, independently owned neighborhood markets in areas with limited access to healthy food, particularly those serving residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits. Participating stores receive funding for refrigeration, freezers and display equipment; healthy food inventory; marketing; and technical assistance, reducing barriers that can prevent small retailers from stocking and selling fresh and nutritious foods. These objectives are consistent with the program as described by both the City and TLCHD.
The pilot program supported six independently operated neighborhood markets across Toledo. Through the program, participating stores expanded their capacity to offer fresh and nutritious foods in neighborhoods where residents may otherwise have limited access to these products. Early program evaluation has shown promising results, with surveyed customers reporting positive perceptions of food quality and increased healthy food purchasing. Participating store owners also expressed strong support for the initiative, with all surveyed owners indicating an interest in continuing to participate.
Based on the results of the pilot program and the continued need to improve access to healthy food in underserved neighborhoods, the City desires to continue its partnership with TLCHD and provide $355,297 from the General Fund to support a new round of participating neighborhood markets. This investment will allow the program to build upon the pilot by expanding healthy food access while continuing to support locally owned small businesses serving Toledo neighborhoods.
Summary
NOW THEREFORE Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized to execute the necessary contracts with the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health for the implementation and continuation of the Healthy Food Small Market Program, upon such terms and conditions as shall be approved by the Director of Economic Development and the Director of Law.
SECTION 2. That an amount of $355,297 is authorized for appropriation from the unappropriated balance of the General Fund to Account Code 1001-16400-5661001STDSTD and the expenditure of same is authorized for the Toledo-Lucas County Regional Board of Health to continue the Healthy Food Small Market Program.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Finance is authorized to draw warrant or warrants against the above Account Code in payment of the above authorized obligations in an amount not to exceed that authorized in Section 2 upon presentation of the proper voucher or vouchers.
SECTION 4. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that the same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property and for the further reason that this Ordinance must be immediately effective for the timely implementation and continuation of the Healthy Food Small Market Program.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas _____, nays _____.
Passed: _________________, as an emergency measure: yeas _____, nays _____.
Attest: ________________________ __________________________________
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: _____________________ __________________________________
Mayor
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of an Ordinance passed by Council ________________________.
Attest: ________________________
Clerk of Council